Lone women barred from markets for Ramzan in Pak town

Pakistani women not accompanied by male relatives have been barred from visiting markets during the holy month of Ramzan in a town in the country's restive northwest, and those violating the diktat will be arrested, a media report said on Saturday.

The decision to bar lone women from the markets of Serai Naurang in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was made during a meeting held at the local police station yesterday.

Deputy Superintendent of police Sanaullah Khan chaired the meet that was attended by leaders of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F and Jamaat-e-Islami and the head of a shopkeepers' union.

Khan said women seen in bazars without a male relative would be arrested. He said the decision made 'in view of the sanctity of Ramzan'.

The police officer further warned shopkeepers to avoid profiteering and price hikes during Ramzan, according to a report in The News.

He directed traders to display price lists at their shops, failing which strict action would be taken against them. However, several senior police officers took exception to the decision made by police and tribal elders in Serai Naurang and sought an explanation from police officers.