Charsadda
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police in Shabqadar Tehsil of Charsadda have detained at least four hairdressers for styling beards. The barbers were supposedly in violation of an ‘unofficial ban’ imposed by a local traders’ union, which had termed styling of beards as un-Islamic.
A video which became viral on social media showed a man named Sameen, apparently the president of the shopkeepers’ union, guiding police to hairdressers who were ‘styling’ bears.
According to a report in Dawn, four employees from different shops were arrested by police and slapped with fines of Rs5000 each along with a warning to not engage in styling of beards.
Meanwhile, an official of the Shabqadar police station revealed to media that he received a complaint from a member of a traders’ union who stated that hairdressers were violating the ban.
However, the district police officer of Charsadda informed media that the four men had been arrested due to a dispute.
Former Pakistan People’s Party took to Twitter to voice his disapproval of the ban, saying that the country was ‘still stuck in discussion over the style of beard’.
https://twitter.com/FarhatullahB/status/1180019713730068480?s=20
Observers have opined that the ban is similar to the ones imposed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan against activities such as selling movies, music, and styling of beards.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police in Shabqadar Tehsil of Charsadda have detained at least four hairdressers for styling beards. The barbers were supposedly in violation of an ‘unofficial ban’ imposed by a local traders’ union, which had termed styling of beards as un-Islamic.
A video which became viral on social media showed a man named Sameen, apparently the president of the shopkeepers’ union, guiding police to hairdressers who were ‘styling’ bears.
Sameen stated that the union had banned the ‘designing of beards’ and had apprised barbers of the ban. He added, “Despite our decision, some shop owners were trimming the beards in stylish designs.”
According to a report in Dawn, four employees from different shops were arrested by police and slapped with fines of Rs5000 each along with a warning to not engage in styling of beards.
Meanwhile, an official of the Shabqadar police station revealed to media that he received a complaint from a member of a traders’ union who stated that hairdressers were violating the ban.
However, the district police officer of Charsadda informed media that the four men had been arrested due to a dispute.
A hairdresser stated to media that a similar ban was placed a few months back following a decision by the All Pakistan Hairdressers Union in Charsadda. He added that the decision had been appreciated by local people and religious elders.
Former Pakistan People’s Party took to Twitter to voice his disapproval of the ban, saying that the country was ‘still stuck in discussion over the style of beard’.
https://twitter.com/FarhatullahB/status/1180019713730068480?s=20
Observers have opined that the ban is similar to the ones imposed by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan against activities such as selling movies, music, and styling of beards.