ISLAMABAD, Oct 25: Eating, drinking and smoking at public places during fasting hours in the forthcoming holy month of Ramadan has been prohibited to ensure sanctity of the month.

The Ministry of Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr on Friday has asked the people to observe the provisions of “Ehtram-i- Ramazan Ordinance, 1981”.

According to the ordinance, no person shall eat, drink or smoke at public place during fasting hours.

Under the ordinance, all cinema houses, theatres and similar establishments or institutions shall remain closed during the month of Ramadan from the time of sunset to the expiration of three hours thereafter.

If the proprietor, manager, servant or other person in charge of a cinema house, theatre or similar establishment or institution contravenes the provisions, he will be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with a fine which may extend to Rs500 or with both.

Section four of the ord says that exemptions shall apply in respect of a canteen or kitchen maintained at a hospital for serving food to patients, a restaurant or canteen within the premises of a railway station, airport, seaport or bus stand or in a train or aircraft, a kitchen or dinning car of a train, or a kitchen or canteen meant for children within the premises of a primary school.— APP