Ban imposed on selling, buying of sheets inscribed with Quranic verses
Punjab Secretary Auqaf directs DCs to stop covering shrines with sacred printed cloths like shawls (chadar): Urges devotees to use plain black cloths when covering shrines
The Punjab government has officially banned the buying and selling of clothes printed with Quranic verses across the province on Tuesday.
According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, this decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab’s Secretary of Auqaf and Religious Affairs, Dr Tahir Raza Bukhari.
Following the meeting, the Secretary directed all Deputy Commissioners across the province to enforce the ban effectively.
The TV channel reported that the decision was made in light of religious decrees (fatawa) issued by Jamia Naeemia, Jamia Ashrafia, and other Islamic religious institutes of Ahle-Sunnat.
Speaking at the meeting, Secretary Dr Tahir Raza Bukhari emphasised that touching Quranic verses without ablution constitutes disrespect.
To prevent any irreverence, Secretary Auqaf urged devotees to use plain black cloths when covering shrines, stating that expressing devotion through black sheets is a respectful alternative.
The secretary further announced that discussions would be held with manufacturers of such printed sheets to ensure their compliance with the new directive.
He said the Punjab government aims to uphold the sanctity of sacred texts through this decisive measure.
Reporter: Shahid Supra