Valentine’s Day has been 'banned' in Pakistan after a high court ruling

A court in Pakistan has banned the celebration of Valentine’s Day across the country, it has been reported.

The high court in Islamabad ruled that the festival of love cannot be celebrated in public places or at an official level.

Media outlets in Pakistan have also been ordered not to cover Valentine’s Day in any capacity, according to a report by the Express Tribune.

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Last year, Pakistan president Mamnoon Hussain said it should not be celebrated.

“Valentine’s Day has no connection with our culture and it should be avoided,” he said.

The petition to the court had urged that Valentine’s Day was “not part of Muslim tradition”, and that it should be banned in public and on social media.

A vendor in Islamabad with a red balloon for Valentine's Day (Picture: Rex)
A vendor in Islamabad with a red balloon for Valentine’s Day (Picture: Rex)

The high court has ordered the government to take action in suppressing Valentine’s Day celebrations.

The feast day has been controversial in Pakistan in recent years, sparking protests on the streets.