Firing in Gilgit Bazar, one person killed

This is really bad news………….it should not happen in Gilgit any more………

Rahim
Almaty KZ

Efforts should be made to provide complete information as far as possible particularly of news like firing and murder.

Source: epaper.dawn.com
by Nadeem F. Paracha

“ Why do all the restaurants close down in Ramazan?” I asked a young journalist at the Karachi Press Club.
“Silly question,” She said.

“What’s so silly about it?” “It’s Ramazan, for heaven’s sake. People fast.” “But isn’t fasting supposed to be about exhibiting endurance and tolerance?” “Yes, but it’s also about respecting the sanctity of the month.” “If so, then how come all these yummy food brands are allowed to run their commercials on TV before iftar?” I inquired.

“Well, I really don’t see anything wrong with that?” “Really?” I replied. “So, a person who is not fasting is not allowed to eat in public before iftar, but TV channels are allowed to show people having icecream, cola, chips and chicken shashlik… before Iftar?” “Listen,” she said, “those commercials help generate money for the channels which it then uses to pay its employees their salaries! It’s a fair case.” “That means, hypothetically speaking, if a man is sponsored by an ice-cream brand to enjoy a sumptuous cup of ice cream in public, even that’s okay?” “No comment,” She signed.

“Oh, no, please do comment,” I said. “Maybe my deference requires to be rectified by the more righteous.” “What everyone needs to do is fast,” she said, mockingly.

“Why?” I asked. “So that everyone can then sympathise with this obvious dichotomy between real life and that on TV?” “What dichotomy?” She asked.” What’s so wrong in restaurants closing down to show respect to those who fast?” “Oh, no, dear lady,” I interrupted. “Most eating places close down because the government tells them to close down! Ever since the 1980s, restaurants haven’t closed down in Ramazan on their own accord. The state has forced them to!” “So, what?” She said. “We are an Islamic country, aren’t we?” “We were an Islamic country before the 1980s as well,” I shot back.

“Well, then maybe we were wrong in not enforcing the sanctity of Ramazan.” “Ah, we just love enforcing things, don’t we? Enforce this edict, enforce that edict! And yet, after years of enforcement, we remain a sorry society riddled with crime, violence, corruption, hypocrisy…” “Are you suggesting that people should be allowed to open an eating place before iftar?” She asked.

“If one does not fast, well, that’s a matter between oneself and God. Just like praying, giving alms and performing Haj. You can’t force all to the mosques, or to give alms or perform Haj even if they have the resources. Who is the state, a government, a mullah or a pious middle class urbanite like you to tell what is sacrosanct?” “Those who fast are better Muslims!” she retorted.

“That should be akin to being a good human being also?” I asked.

“How can you be a good human being when you do not respect someone’s religious beliefs by eating in public during Ramazan?” She said.

“I am not telling anyone not to fast, for heaven’s sake!” “Why don’t you?” She said, sarcastically. “That should also be allowed.” “I find restricting people from eating during Ramazan through a law is an irrational act that only encourages intolerance and self-righteousness!” “And how is that?” “Well,” I said, “every year, during Ramazan, Urdu papers are full of stories as to how someone who was caught eating in public was brutally beaten by a mob!” “Then you too will be beaten with slippers if you do not respect the sanctity of Ramazan,” she said, mockingly.

“Then you’re okay with that?” I asked.

“Listen, I’m fasting, and too exhausted to go on. You can go out and eat in public for all I care.” “Ah,” I half-shouted again. “That’s the spirit.” “What?” “You said ‘you can go out and eat in public for all I care’. That’s what I was looking for. Tolerance. Every year many tolerate self-righteousness from our very faithful brethren. Now, if they can show a little tolerance for the not-as-faithful, I think you can strike a peaceful, rational and work able balance.”“I see,” She groaned.

“But don’t worry,” I added. “If ever Pakistan becomes a secular country, rest assured, I will not beat people with slippers for fasting or eating in Ramazan. Fair case?”