Local clerics and tribal elders in Landi Kotal have banned music and gambling in the area, Express Tribune reported on Monday.
A gathering comprising local clerics and elders convened in the Nalo Shaheed area and decided to ban locals, especially picnic-goers, from engaging in activities contrary to Sharia law such as playing music, gambling, or dancing.
The Jirga, spearheaded by Maulana Muhibullah Haqqani, Syed Mehmood Ahmad Buneri, Maulana Ahmad Ahmad, Ishaq Buneri, and attended by Haji Ilyas Shinwari, Haji Zarmat Khan Shinwari from the Pakistan Peoples Party, as well as Malik Barat, Malik Makil, Malik Shah Jee Khoga Khel, Maulana Haider Ali, and Additional SHO Taimur Khan, showcased police support for the decision.
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It should be noted that this isn’t the first time of local clerics taking matters into their own hands. In September 2017, under the leadership of Syed Muhammad Ilyas Binori, clerics gathered at a religious seminary.
They seized musical instruments and television sets, burning them in front of a crowd to eradicate perceived anti-Islamic practices. This action prompted a public outcry on social media, with local residents demanding strict repercussions for the clerics.
Following this, the head of the seminary issued a written statement, deeming the incident a misunderstanding and assuring that such actions would not recur.
