Pakistan, Sept. 26 -- Italy's Council of Ministers has approved a school decree that bans face coverings including the burqa and niqab in schools and introduces a 30% cap on certain foreign pupils in first-year classes, the national news ANSA reported.

The decree prohibits participation in curricular and extracurricular school activities, as well as school-family activities, with the face covered in a way that prevents identification, except for specific health or security reasons.

Violations can incur administrative fines of between €200 ($227) and €1,000 ($1137). When the violation is committed by a minor, the penalty applies to the parent, according to the draft provisions.

The government said the measures are intended t...