Punjab Marriage Halls, Marquees Association demands to relax existing laws

Islamabad
The Punjab Marriage Halls, Marquees and Lawn Owners Association has demanded that Punjab Chief Minister Ms. Maryam Nawaz relax existing laws to protect the wedding hall industry and provide convenience to the public.
Khalid Idrees Bhatti, President of the Punjab Marriage Halls, Marquees and Lawn Owners Association; Rao Tariq Islam, General Secretary; Malik Zahoor Advocate, President of the Rawalpindi Marriage Hall Association; along with Asif Iqbal, Hamid Abbasi, Khalid and others, stated during a press conference at the National Press Club, Islamabad, that thousands of people are directly and indirectly employed in this industry. Due to restrictions on traditions and unjustified limitations on working hours, the industry is under severe pressure. It is a matter of serious concern that wedding ceremonies are being restricted under the guise of various laws and regulations, which is not only affecting businesses but is also causing inconvenience to the public.
They said that marriage is an integral part of our religious and social values. Unnecessary restrictions on weddings are equivalent to curbing public happiness. In Pakistan, marriage has been turned into something akin to an offense, whereas in other countries it is facilitated.
The office-bearers stated that strict enforcement regarding time limits, number of dishes, lighting, music, and other matters at wedding ceremonies is causing irreparable damage to the marriage hall industry.
They further pointed out that wedding ceremonies are not limited to marriage halls alone but are also held at homes; however, the law is being enforced only on halls. Moreover, marriage hall owners are facing various taxes and notices from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
In addition, there has been a sharp increase in property tax, PRA charges, electricity, gas, and other utility bills. The FBR has also issued orders for tax deductions under Sections 236C and 236CB, further worsening business conditions. Various taxes are already imposed on goods and services used in wedding ceremonies.
They said that while weddings are being made easier across the world, in Pakistan they are being made increasingly difficult. The government should make decisions keeping ground realities in view. Marriage hall owners have always cooperated with the government, but frequent new laws and restrictions are destroying the business. Unjustified actions by the police, assistant commissioners, and other institutions have become routine.They emphasized that the time has come for the government to support this industry so that the livelihoods of millions can be protected and the public can be facilitated. Their demands include a reasonable increase in the duration and timings of wedding ceremonies; decisions to be made after consultation with marriage hall owners and associations; an end to unjustified fines, sealing, and punitive actions; and provision of facilities to the marriage hall industry like other businesses.In conclusion, they once again appealed to the Punjab government to accept their legitimate demands and take immediate steps to prevent further destruction of this industry.