Local Islamic clerics in Pakistan's Karak province have voiced for restriction on women shopping alone since they believe it promotes 'vulgarity'.
The unexpected move was decided at a meeting of the local clerics at Tehsil Mosque on Friday. In the meeting, the clerics requested local residents from allowing women of their households from going to market places alone which they believe was indecent and improper.
The clerics added that any women found shopping alone should be barred from entering the shopping premises and hence the women were to be accompanied by any close male relatives.
Former Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leader Hafiz Abne Amin told local media, "Most unaccompanied women are becoming a source of spreading vulgarity, especially in the holy month of Ramzan. They are often seen to be involved in thefts and robberies. Hence, we have decided not to allow such women in Karak markets."
"We have already issued a directive asking shop-owners not to sell anything to women shopping alone in markets."
He added that women roaming alone flouted both religious norms as well the norms of Pashtun culture.
The clerics even met Karak Deputy Commissioner Aqal Bad Shah suggesting the proposition of banning women from shopping alone, however the proposal was denied.
According to reports, the district administration assured that they would cooperate with their proposition but a ban cannot be imposed.
A simialr case of ban was reported from Pakistan where women shopping during the holy month of Ramadan was banned in some area near Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, Pakistan officials had refuted the reports
