Rampant violations of the Marriage Act in Rawalpindi

Contrary to the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, the one-dish ordinance and closing wedding functions before 10 ‘O’ clock could not be implemented in Rawal Town and Cantonment Board Rawalpindi.
Some of the marriage halls remain open till late night besides one-dish ordinance is being violated in the wedding ceremonies while district administration and other relevant authorities are least concerned over the issue.
Citizens talking to INP said that the important task is given to union council secretaries in Rawal Town, adding that these secretaries lack authority as people resort to aerial firing and fireworks causing inconvenience to dwellers of the localities.
On the other hand, a marriage hall located on Sixth Road in the jurisdiction of New Town Police Station remained open and loud music was coming out as people were offering morning prayers in nearby mosques.
They suggested that the task should be handed over to high official rather than giving the same to secretaries of the union councils.
Sources said that as next general election was drawing near, some local politicians have directed relevant officers to be lenient in this connection.
Administrator Rawal Town Saif Anwar Jappa, when contacted about violation of one-dish ordinance and timely closure policy of marriage halls, said that secretaries perform duties at union council level, adding that upon identification strict action would be taken against marriage halls defying the policy.