RAWALPINDI: Organisers of the main Eid Miladun Nabi procession have banned fake beards and moustaches during the procession, saying they may create unrest.

Banners have been put up in various parts of the city, telling people to not use fake beards and moustaches during the procession and warned that anyone selling or wearing them will be handed over to the police.

Asked about the reason for the ban, Traders Association representative and president of the organising committee Sheikh Nadeem told Dawn that three years ago, some youngsters had worn the fake beards and taken pictures while dancing in the main procession.

“A video was also made of this which circulated on social media and earned a bad name for the organisers and participants of the procession who had gathered to observe such an auspicious occasion,” he said.

He said the fake beard and moustache helps hide the identity of a person and it is difficult to ascertain their age.

“It is also a security threat and though the police should do this work, the organisers are being responsible and taking a step to avoid such situations,” he said.

Mr Nadeem said the decision to stop such activities was taken as this was a day of celebrating the birth of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in a respectable manner.

“We did not want unrest among the people. We are going through such a difficult time and it is the responsibility of the organisers of the main procession to avoid incidents which may earn a bad name for Muslims,” he said.

Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2017