LAHORE: The Islamic Ideology Council in its interim annual report has unanimously recommended the observance of Friday as weekly holiday throughout the country. In its report for the year 1974-75 presented by the Provincial Law Minister, S.M. Masud, in the Provincial Assembly today [June 29], the Council also recommended complete ban on liquor and dancing in Government functions.

The Council unanimously recommended that the Islamic calendar should be introduced in the country to maintain the separate identity of Muslim culture. It pointed out that a number of Islamic countries had already introduced this calendar. The Council agreed that all official functions should be held after or before prayer times. The Council suggested that Shalwar and Kamiz should be adopted as our national and official dress for men. It also proposed that all Government officials be required to wear national dress at Government functions. …

… The Council observed that Sunday was the worship day of Christians and that was why it was declared weekly holiday to allow the followers of Christ to go to churches. … Similarly, if Friday was declared as weekly holiday in Pakistan … people would be able to perform … Juma prayers conveniently.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2026