The daughter of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto condemned a "ridiculous law" banning people from eating publicly during Ramadan by declaring: "This is not Islam." Bakhtawar Bhutto, 27, warned that people may die from dehydration as a result of the ban, which has effect during daylight hours throughout the fasting month.

The law has existed in Pakistan since 1981, but a new amendment has introduced stricter penalties that could see people jailed for up to three months for a violation.

Broadcasters or cinemas that breach the rules could be fined more than £3,700 after Pakistan's Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs unanimously approved the bill on Wednesday.Hotel owners will also face increased fines of up to £185 for an offence, according to Pakistani news outlet Dawn.

Reacting to the news on Twitter, Ms Bhutto said: "People are going to die from heat stroke and dehydration with this ridiculous law. Not everyone is able. This is not Islam.

"Not everyone in Pakistan will be fasting – children in school, the elderly, people with medical issues – Should we arrest them for drinking water?"