ISLAMABAD: The capital administration has banned the use of rough papers, including newspapers, having holy words or verses printed on them for wrapping and packing different commodities.

The administration has sought the assistance of mosques and seminaries to check the use of such papers.

The violators of the ban would be dealt with according to law in the court of magistrates.

“It has been observed that rough papers, including newspapers, having holy words and verses printed on them are being heavily used by traders for wrapping up and packing commodities and are also being used in different ways for preserving commodities,” said an order issued by District Magistrate Mohammad Hamza Shafqaat.

“It is a matter of grave concern as this practice is tantamount to disrespecting holy words and verses which cannot be condoned at any level.”

Keeping in view the sensitivity of the matter, the order added, “it is therefore imperative to issue a written directive to all mosques and seminaries for taking appropriate action and make arrangements for collecting such material from their surrounding as soon as possible and hand them over to the administration.

The order said there were sufficient grounds for proceeding under Section 144 to prohibit the usage of rough papers, including newspapers, for wrapping, packing and preserving commodities in any form within the limits of the capital.

The order comes into force with immediate effect and will remain in force for a period of three months.

The deputy director Auquf has been assigned the task to approach the administrations of mosques and seminaries and seek their assistance in collecting such papers, including newspapers, an official of the administration said.

He said the deputy director had started meeting the administrators of mosques. The Auqaf official was also given the task to mobilise administrations and ulema of all schools of thought to avoid disrespect of such papers.

Prayer leaders will also be requested to convey the message to the citizens during Friday sermons on behalf of the capital administration.

The citizens will also be asked to discourage the practice of using such papers for wrapping or giving items in packets or bags made of paper printed with holy words and verses.

Similarly, the traders would be requested to hand over such papers to mosques and seminaries.

Besides, all subdivisional magistrates have been asked to visit mosques in their respective areas to supervise such activities.

The magistrates were told to submit a report in this regard on a fortnightly basis.

The administrations of mosques and seminaries with the help of students will collect such papers from houses and traders and keep them at a certain place.

Later, the officials of the capital administration will collect and take them to the H-11 graveyard where they would be buried at designated places.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2018