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LAHORE, Pakistan — Pakistani lawmakers in a provincial assembly voted in favour of a recommendation to ban dance parties at schools and other educational institutions, saying they promote Western culture, officials said Thursday. The move drew criticism from students and activists, who vowed to oppose the decision.

Proposed by Shaikh Ijaz, a lawmaker from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League party in Punjab, the non-binding resolution was quickly adopted.

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“This resolution was passed to stop vulgarity and the promotion of Western culture among youths,” he said.

Ijaz said the resolution passed the Punjab Assembly on Wednesday with no opposition from secular, moderate or Islamic parties.

Photo by K.M. Chaudary / AP

The resolutionis considered a recommendation to the government, which is being asked to “stop the vulgarity” in the province. Ijaz said the motion followed parents’ complaints that some schools organized mix-gender gatherings, which are prohibited in Islam.