But the problems in Pakistan go far beyond overcrowding. The power of the land mafia is such that many buildings in the country are deathtraps with the potential to kill only increases when a large group of people congregate in one place. Having emergency exits is essential in case of fires and stampedes, as is the provision of fire extinguishers. Even if emergency exits are available, it is the duty of concert-goers to familiarise themselves with secondary exits. In addition, concert organisers should also have to make provisions for first aid and emergency medical services, not only to treat members of the audience who suffer from dehydration, but to have a response in place should there be a tragedy like the one at this concert. Entry and exit from a concert should also be staggered, so that there isn’t an uncontrollable rush of people in the direction of one exit.
These regulations need to be in place not just for rock concerts but for all public events. Since this seems to be the season of jalsas, it is worth noting that rallies held by political parties also need to come under the rubric of such requirements. As much as political parties love to boast about turnout, and how they filled an area to such an extent that it was overflowing, this should be secondary to the safety of attendees. Not a single death is worth the satisfaction of a large crowd, be it drawn by a politician or a pop singer.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 11th, 2012.
COMMENTS (11)
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The issue being talked about wasn't musical concerts. It is about building construction and safety exits, which even the best buildings seems to be missing. This complex was built by Lahore's most famous architects and yet it does not have enough safety exits or even good signs so that audience may know immediately an alternative route. Such standards of construction by our great architects! What to expect from smaller ones?
@ Evie
i think you said it made a good point on how every but those loonies would be in favor of building on this issue and since those loonies outnumber us we have our work cut out for ourselves
there are people who will think one way, and there are people who will think another way. harold camping prepared himself for the end of the world about three times last year! my point is, there will always be loonies. the article was about health and safety regulations in public places. now, what is to be done about that?
to all you ignorant yet passionate people: : UNDERSTAND YOU SAID IT's COMMENT
he is not saying he thinks its an act of God, he's saying that the majority of pakistanis will think that it is and considering our abysmal literacy rate and how much influence the word of an apparently religious personality, no matter how non sensical it may be.......
you guys sort of vindicated his comment, not caring to understand what he said just simply jumping on sumtin u can use to either bash religion or support it
@You Said It: you seriously live under the rock and have no idea what kind of youth of Pakistan is. its wiser to stop assumption if the knowledge in hand is not sufficient
cease making up stories about Allah swt - these things happen @You Said It:
@Tooba: @NoIdid: @LiberalFascistBrigade: Easy, guys, I didn't say those are my views. I'm simply stating what I've seen of the cultural shift in Pakistan today, which I see as a tragedy.
The change in attitudes of my neighbors, extended relatives; the changes in our celebrations of festivals like Basant; the attitude towards music in dargahs - all these reflect the majority mindset. Which of you can say there is no change in ways nikahs are celebrated today compared to the celebrations we remember from our childhood? This is the state I see around me. So yes, I stand by my previous statement -- unfortunately, the majority will only see this as a sign of the almighty's displeasure.
Really ? So Allah Almighty thinks the value of the life of people who listen to music is less than those who do ? How just does that sound ?
you're a self-righteous freak! did God send hazrat Jibrael to you before killing the girls? do you know a woman used to throw garbage on the Prophet every day?
You Said It
You make a great point. Going by your logic, the stampede deaths at Hajj are also proof of Allah Almighty's displeasure and we should cease such activity immediately.
The audience that'll agree with this editorial probably represents a minority in Pakistan. For the majority, music is anyway Haram, and the deaths will be proof of Allah Almighty's displeasure.