The Way I See It
I worry about my religion

I worry about my religion

As the man on the plane started to chant, I thought to myself, "Oh God, these are the last moments of my young...

Anonymous/Anonymous November 22, 2011

It's a chilly night in Beijing as I'm weaving my way in and out a very packed aisle to board my flight to Karachi. I get to my seat after some effort. Every time I get my seat assignment, I secretly hope that it's someone nice and intelligent sitting next to me; you know, someone I can make conversation with. Ah, 23L, here it is.

I look up to see a middle-aged man in a shalwar kameez, vest and hat. No problem; I point to the window seat saying "idhar". The man, instead of being courteous by getting up to give me space, puts his feet up on the seat while I squeeze my way in, my buttocks scraping against his knees.

Unfortunately and predictably, my arrogance takes over. I assume this man is boarding an airplane for the first time and/or has nothing to offer me through conversation. I put my headphones on, with "chammak chalo" blasting through them, drowning out everything around me. To my surprise, he strikes up a question by tapping on my shoulder.

"What work do you do?" he asked me in Urdu with his thick accent.

I respond in my best and formal Urdu, "I teach English."

While our aircraft taxis to the runway, we exchange words for a few minutes, just small talk, nothing important.

Finally, I'm headed home I think as the runway is aligned perfectly with our aircraft. The twin Boeing engines start to rev up and a thunderous roar is let out as we begin to gain speed on our way to the skies.

Suddenly and abruptly, the man next to me starts praying and the next 30 seconds of my life are spent with my heart beating faster than the airplane.

"Shukran Allah, Allah O Akbar, Subhan Allah" he chants multiple times.

My Western side immediately emerges, screaming:

"Oh my God, these are the last few moments of my young life."

We all know the stereotype, a Muslim on an airplane follows an explosion. I know, I know, it's over-exaggerated but that's what we've come to know and think in the post 9/11 era. I've been on numerous flights in, out, and within Pakistan, but I cannot explain the genuine terror that took complete control of my body and mind. I felt the blood in my veins begin to ice over as a cold trail of sweat made it's way down my spine. I wanted to cry; I've never felt such magnitude of fear before. I thought of the hot explosion that was going to follow, blowing the entire aircraft to smithereens.

I'm ashamed, embarrassed and utterly disgusted at myself for even thinking such thoughts. I'm not feeling this remorse because nothing happened, because I knew nothing could happen, right?

We live in a time where airport security is tighter than its ever been. How could I let myself think such terrible thoughts? There hasn't been a major hijacking since 9/11, what were the odds that this would be the next big one? The man was simply praying for a safe journey and arrival. I wanted to kick myself for my preceding thoughts. I had never let my paranoia take over me like that, but this was a first time. There had to be a trigger to my feelings. Could it have been the media? Perhaps it's the hundreds of jokes I crack between my friends about this subject. Maybe it's the numerous episodes of Family Guy or South Park that I've watched in the past, joking about just this situation that invoked such feelings.

I'm a Muslim and apparently I am prejudiced against my own religion.

It makes me laugh just to think what would have happened if there was an American or a European sitting in my place, given that I, a Pakistani reacted as so. I can now see what living in the West for the past decade has done to my thought process about the average Muslim. Why have I too, turned in to the person who stereotypes anyone who recites the Quran? The poor man sitting next to me wasn't a terrorist; he was just a Muslim.

Even though my flight wasn't pleasant - it included a lot of pillow-stealing, kicking while sleeping, and awkward staring at each other - if you're reading this, I'm sorry I stereotyped you I hope we can let this night go for both of our sake.

WRITTEN BY:
Anonymous The blogger wishes to remain anonymous.

The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

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COMMENTS (63)

RI | 12 years ago | Reply a very interesting piece! appreciate ur honesty...i feel the same way here in good ol pakistan...especially when i see young men with long, unkempt beards, shalwars well-above their ankles and 'surma' in their eyes...(yes, there are many of these types here) it may be irrational but there it is! we have no-one to blame but ourselves...we are the most intolerant, hate filled society on earth...the adulation that monster mumtaz qadri received after committing a heinous crime says a lot about how many of us view human life and our definition of decency and even valour...(btw i aint no salman taseer fan, far from it) and that wasn't an isolated incident here by any means...

Ahmed HM | 12 years ago | Reply Pathetic and lame ...

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Fahad | 12 years ago | Reply LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL, hahahaha so true dude !!!!!!!!! I am so glad to read this blog today, I am not alone in this case now, lolllll, yes dude it happens !!

Raj NJ | 13 years ago | Reply http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1527273/posts Read this article carefully how officials with initial reactions and eventual end result. Still I seel lot of complaint living in America and complaining about it. It is a sports stadium - you go there to watch sports and still they worked to make everybody as comfortable as possible. If you take blinders of hate you will see a different world. Why only emphasize of aberrations and justifiy it as normal behaviour of all. .

arsalan r | 13 years ago | Reply The writer is not attacking Islam but stating what alot of people (including me) have experienced. Its the bitter truth. Instead of attacking the words, lets try to understand the message.

-ive man | 13 years ago | Reply Unfortunately religions do tend to be Ritual. So you abhor rituals that's a good start but what would you say to a 1000 people being ritualistic in concert?.. just a commercial break! I suppose?@Optimist:

Optimist | 13 years ago | Reply Funny thing is, the only idea I got from writer's story and comments and from many different posts of readers that they have TRAVELED alot, especially to America. Sorry if its offensive. I am not very ritual, but I always abhor when someone accuse someone just by his appearance. Accusation of anytype.

-ive man | 13 years ago | Reply No you are not paranoid about your religion. You just wished it would stay a religion and not a Pro-Allah Demonstration. Lahore is full of them. 140Db loud speakers on mosques. Trees with Arabic nailed to them. Cars windows with swords and some calligraphy on it. I guess Christians are just as bad- I even saw a Catholic read the Bible while takeoff. That was KLM flight to NYC back in 1969. They have more faith in both technology and Allah now. Your friend is still working on the faith part.

Anonymous | 13 years ago | Reply @Johnny: Not to initiate a heated religious debate, but I'm afraid that neither have people from other religious backgrounds. What I remember from the past decade, is Quran's being burnt by Christian priests, innocent Muslim civilians dying in vain and an overall hatred towards Islam. What about the attacks on Norway? They were conducted by a White Christian man. What this kind of stereotyping suggests is nothing short of ignorance and narrow-mindedness.

Hussain Fadwani | 13 years ago | Reply There is a bigger problem here. The problem is that most people of any religion cannot seem to define the difference between faith and religion. Faith is something that is very personal and is also very subjective whereas religion, is not.Yes, some may irk to this, however, there needs to be distinction between religion and faith because it is the only way to understand a religion (in my opinion). Also, there needs to be a distinction between culture and faith (not religion, but faith) because if we cannot find the distinction between faith and culture, we cannot find the answers to certain ideologies like terrorism within a "religious culture". I would like to add is that being a Pakistani, us Pakistanis need to stand up against violence. The argument that we should not have to is simply not sufficient enough. We need to prove to the world that we are worth the trouble to have a democracy. Lastly, someone needs to dissect the issue of mixing religion with politics.

AN | 13 years ago | Reply @ author I could understand that why you started fearing your own religion. Pakistan was quite a care free country before terrorism became part of our lives. However since this terrorism started and religion association was established, Pakistanis in general have develop a fear for overtly religious people and even dislike for religious people. This was not always the case. Bearded men and pardah observing women were considered a symbol of piety but not anymore. The moment you see them in public places, you do feel a certain discomfort. I personally felt it during 2009 specially when we had daily bomb blasts. It affected the psyche of whole nation. Sometimes you will see overtly religious people getting targeted for their appearance and their religious attitude. Even in this paper, people complained of being associated with Taliban for their religious appearance. America didn't do it. We developed this attitude because of our own people. Can't blame outsiders or westerners for their attitude when we ourselves are not immune to it. However this attitude will change over time. Right now the biggest worry is how long it will take to remove this stigma from our religion.

lodhi | 13 years ago | Reply @Naila Its not only the USA. The whole world thinks so.

jssidhoo | 13 years ago | Reply @malik: My solution to this problem is i always fly Emirates they wont high jack there own plane.

Awais Khan | 13 years ago | Reply Clearly our society has been polarized and we have created stereotypes and all this because of radicalization.

anam | 13 years ago | Reply My earlier comment only referred to your statement of religion being a private matter in the states. I guess I shouldn't base my opinion on seeing how things are in just texas...there are 50 other states. As for your write up, the only solution to getting over that fear was for you to strike a conversation with the bearded dude. If he was willing to talk to you and asked you what you do for a living, you should have asked him the same question. As a teacher you would do the same thing, if a child felt extremely uncomfortable around you, you would try to start a conversation just so he/she could get more comfortable. And can we really blame these guys for being uneducated and dumb? its not like our dearest "islamic republic of pakistan" takes the initiative to educate the masses, we don't educate them, whatever they learn mostly comes from their personal experiences and their immediate surrounding. We could only overcome our stereotypes if we make the effort to reach out and start the dialogue process.

powerball | 13 years ago | Reply I’m a Muslim and apparently I am prejudiced against my own religion I know what you mean.

PakistaniSJ | 13 years ago | Reply I feel the writer realizing that he was not in the right mindset speaks highly of the way the United States education system is performing (this is only referring to the university systems). Although I feel this is completely contradictory in earlier education. The close-mindedness and fear of debate within the public school system has closed off many students into thinking in a way that might even hint towards controversial subject. If we never think the way the reader thought when he was sitting next to a muslim man and come to a realization that we were wrong, our experiences will never teach us to be a more openminded person. Being closed of from controversial thoughts only limits our knowledge of the cultures of others. As a student at a U.S. university, I have many friends from different backgrounds and discussing controversial subjects such as these have only helped us patch divisions rather than causing divisions to increase

Adeel Suhail | 13 years ago | Reply All I want to say is if u get these type of thoughts against Islam n Muslim, than you should think of what kind of stuff u read or study every day. In the end what you input is what you gonna output. Its really a point to ponder & you have to think abt

Indian | 13 years ago | Reply When some religion is criticised, the people of that religion often says you don't know actual religion. Like when Islam is criticised, some people say Islam is a pure religion, Quran doesn't teach hatred rather it teaches tolerance, peace etc. Same is the case for Christinity or Hinduism. All holy books teach great things. I think people are failing to understand that religion is not a just a book, but religion is action & behaviour of those people who have faith in that religion.

Loneliberal PK | 13 years ago | Reply Anam: "I am a teacher at a public school in the states! and religion (particularly christianity) is still very much a part of the education and political system" And which state is that? Most states maintain a strictly secular school curriculum. Dozens of lawsuits were filed against schools because some teachers were making students say "one nation under God" in the pledge of allegiance. Most people have started saying "happy holidays" as opposed to "merry Christmas", and teaching evolution is mandatory in all but a few states. And even if that isn't true, you cannot possibly compare it to the way Pakistanis flaunt their religion through state laws and school curriculum. The US constitution is based on the separation of Church and State, while no law can be passed in Pakistan without approval of the shariah courts! If USA passes a law barring non-Christians from becoming Presidents (as Pakistan bars non-Muslims), the capital hill would be literally fire-bombed by the masses. Hardly the same thing, Anam.

ali al-Hakim | 13 years ago | Reply Basically a crap article as he blows the incident out of proportion- but there is a point when he says that notwithstanding a Muslim himself he is fearful of a certain type of Muslims who would recite verses form the Quran on an air plane becuase you would fear they may have malicious intentions. Furthermore this guy appears to be shallow secularists, rather than being fearful of what the man sitting next to you is saying by way of remembering God this guy could have felt a sense of comofrot upon hearing the names of God repeated.

Vivek | 13 years ago | Reply @Loneliberal PK: U really are a lone liberal in PK .... :) : )

Homa | 13 years ago | Reply By the way, i liked your article and agree with you. Religion drama queens like your co-passenger need to be told that they should stuff their religion where it belongs.

Naila | 13 years ago | Reply I wont blame you. The american people have brainwashed everyone.

Ahsan Daredia | 13 years ago | Reply @anam: Hey Anam, if you would have read my bio it clearly states I'm a graduate of the University of North Texas. I've spent the past 11 years in Dallas, or should I say, a suburb of Dallas. You bring up a good point but you also have to realize TEXAS is one of the few exceptions because Texas still has it's Christian roots deep within it. The point you're trying to make has less to do with the religion aspect and more of the aspect that the education system is biased in that state. Rick Perry holds a Christian only event to pray for the economy. That's Texas. Majority of the die hard Conservatives, Tea Partiers and Bible thumping people are from the South. That's Texas. You don't have to explain to me how the Jehova's Witnesses and Christianity works in America, I've lived through it. I've spent hours talking to different door to door people, trying to learn what in hell exactly they're trying to do, but at the end reject their proposals. Yes, they're REALLY annoying. Anyone who knocks on your door to tell you that the world is coming to an end is annoying. End point, the U.S for sure has it's flaws in the education and political system and that will never change because America is STILL a Christian nation. This piece however, was not about that. If I wanted to point out everything wrong in the U.S, I can certainly do that as well. I did mean to mention freedom of religion too, but really, you have that everywhere in the world unless you're in an ultra-conservative country like the Kingdom. I just think the guy next to me should have either whispered or said his prayers to himself. Also, I don't know what's happened with the title, I have no power over that after I submitted my piece.

malik | 13 years ago | Reply You have only echoed the feelings of thousands of people who fly to and fro US airports. As for me, whenever I look at the following types of people, fear takes over. 1.) A young British Pakistani, speaking english with clipped accent, who wears his religion on his sleeve. You can see that he has recently spent time in Pakistan, learning to become a True Muslim. 2.) Bearded middle-aged man, pakistani, with mehndi in beard and no moustache. 3.) Pakistani, in shalwar kameez, who boards the flight with no hand baggage. 4.) Osama and Al-Zawhiri look-alikes. 5.) Anyone who says 'Allahu Akbar' out of the blue. Don't tell me to go up and read some more books. And this is not an irrational fear.

anam | 13 years ago | Reply "Living in the United States for the past decade or so, I got accustomed to it’s individualism, liberty and PRIVACY OF RELIGION. You just simply did not see or hear anyone chanting religious verses out loud publicly." Really dude? which America have you been living in? I am a teacher at a public school in the states! and religion (particularly christianity) is still very much a part of the education and political system. Have seen plenty of teachers discussing their beliefs with their students. Talking about christmas and easter, religion has come out in the public sphere more so in the past five years ever since the likes of tea party crazies and republican party have been leaning more so toward the extreme right of the political spectrum to gain votes. I think what you meant was FREEDOM OF RELIGION! religion is certainly not a private matter in the states, if it was, you wouldn't see political candidates being questioned over their beliefs. Come on down to good ol' State of Texas and you will see evangelicals and jehovahs witnesses missionaries going door to door just like the tableeghi jamatis trying to preach their beliefs to you! Point is though I might not agree with their beliefs I respect their right to practice...just like I respect a muslim's right to practice his/her religion. My mother prays while sitting in her seat in the airplane, no she doesn't "chant" loudly to disturb others nor is she taking up anyone's personal space so if anyone feels uncomfortable or thinks its somehow "arrogant" its they who should learn how to be respectful and tolerant of other people's beliefs! Air lines like Emirates have a space in the airplane where a passenger could pray. But yeah they shouldn't be praying in the aisles of the airplanes or taking up all three seats...as long as a person doesn't invade someone's else's personal space I have no problem with them praying in the airplane!

Rehan | 13 years ago | Reply what the writer wana say ... it is just time wasting..

Shahid3 | 13 years ago | Reply Incidentally one's chances of meeting a sticky end in a commercial widebody jet are at least 2 orders of magnitude lower than dying on the mean streets we commute on daily. How would people react if some M. Haneef started his daily commute by chanting ”Shukran Allah, Allah O Akbar, Subhan Allah” multiple times when boarding a bus? This could be repeated at each stop, with possibly more than one devout person boarding from the same stop to enhance the quality of life of everyone within earshot. With azaans also coming at high decibels from loudspeakers in the background at regular intervals, the atmosphere will become even holier (than thou).

Noumaan Shamsi | 13 years ago | Reply "I’m ashamed, embarrassed and utterly disgusted at myself for even thinking such thoughts." Honey, you should be. Parhi Likhi fail.

MarkH | 13 years ago | Reply Even though I'm from the US, my reaction wouldn't have been fear. I'd be trying not to laugh. I would see it as "I can't believe I'm actually in such a stereotypical situation" in a funny way. Muslims don't scare me. But, considering it's the one common trait of the terrorists, only a fool wouldn't at least take notice of it. It's the self-preservation instinct all people have. It's not based in hate. If someone does something to make the threat disappear, it will dissipate. Muslims restoring their image by simply speaking out against the ones who do the killing will have widespread effect. Some do now, except it's missing a key thing for it to be effective. Action. Words are worthless when people are getting blown up simultaneously without repercussion.

Cynical | 13 years ago | Reply @Proud Baloch I completly agree with Ahsan Daredia. The aircraft doesn't belong to the passenger. Apart from the alloted seat they should have free access to the toilet and the aile. Using the isle as a private prayer room or a mosque in the air shows an extreme lack of civilty and sensibility about people around us. But it is natural for most of us because we are so self obsessed.

Sidra | 13 years ago | Reply Haha.. why has the name been changed?

Grace | 13 years ago | Reply @Proud Baloch: A lot of people like to dramatize things for whatever reason. It's a national pastime. Anyhow, Muslims need to grow up and behave more courteously I agree but I think you are exagerating when you say that no one on the flight from Canada says the prayers when they board the plane. It's a custom and if people have misinterpreted it, it's our job to educate them. The problem is that so many Muslims live on welfare / state khayrat in Western countries, especially in Europe, so no one takes them seriously. Only when Muslims in the West work, pay taxes and controbute to society will others take them seriously.

Sana | 13 years ago | Reply Did you change the title of your blog?

Ahsan Daredia | 13 years ago | Reply @Proud Baloch: Funny you mention that...I've had friends tell me they pray in the aisles of the airplane. I can't speak for how they feel, but on an airplane you're in a public area and you must respect the other 200 people around you. We all share the aircraft and you can't blame anyone for feeling the way they do. There's such a thing as etiquette, you can't just make it your own personal mosque. I've seen some people so arrogant that on an empty flight they take up all three seats just to lay down and at the same time denying other passengers seats. Pehli baar jahaz mein churte hain aur samajte hain apne baap ki hai...shame.

Proud Baloch | 13 years ago | Reply How come this does not happen not once in my 29 air flights from Canada to Pakistan :O

Parvez | 13 years ago | Reply Liked the article and the way you wrote it. You simply over reacted and then felt awkward about it. Next time around you will be mentally more prepared, so take it as a learning experience.

Loneliberal PK | 13 years ago | Reply Did they just change the title? What was wrong with the last one? I think the disclaimer that the views of the author do not reflect the views of ET says it all. If people are offended by such frivolous things, they shouldn't be reading blogs at all.

ihk | 13 years ago | Reply @Loneliberal PK: This is not the first time you have criticised something related to Islam. I have been following you for quite some time now... your aversion to Islam is itself a proof that you have 'relieved yourself of the need to think over it'. God Bless!

Peace | 13 years ago | Reply Garbage

Shelina Velani | 13 years ago | Reply I am a Muslim and I can relate to this excellent piece myself. I am not sure why you are all upset. The author can express his feelings as he wants. This happens to me and many Muslims I know. We can't deny the sad reality past 9-11. What we can do is accept we do it and not do it again. To the guy that commented and said you are a Muslim you will die. Did you even learn anything from 9/11? Your proving yourself to be the Negative Muslim we don't want to be. To all the other people denying this. This happens. Learn from it. To the author. I am glad you published this. This happens and I am glad you were the one to recognize it. Excellent piece.

Loneliberal PK | 13 years ago | Reply ihk, That comment doesn't really classify as "anti-Islamic" rhetoric. At most, it's criticism of the behaviour of certain Muslims, and nothing more. Please try not to dismiss such criticism as mere "rhetoric" just so you may relieve yourself of the need to think over it. . Faz, I never called praying aloud an "outrageous act". I said that it can make certain people uncomfortable. Let's avoid the strawman argumentation. One is, of course, free to pray whenever and however he wants.

Saad Hassan Khan | 13 years ago | Reply Come on man, do you start running for your life whenever you see a German guy sporting a Charlie Chaplin like mustache because Hitler was a) German b) had a Charlie Chaplin like mustache, I know this is kind of a foolish example but so is your article mate, no offence intended.

farhan | 13 years ago | Reply stupid article.

Johnny | 13 years ago | Reply I have had the same feeling many times when traveling. I think it is because of our actions that it has led to this situation. muslims have not contributed anything towards world peace at all in a long time.

Faz | 13 years ago | Reply @Loneliberal PK: "Your fear was legitimized", really? When the writer himself is disgusted and ashamed , why are you legitimizing it, creating further hatred and encouraging such feelings. If one can't bridge differences among people, then at least one shoudn't encourage the divide. Moreover, chanting of religious verses in public space is not "outrageous act" to be condemned strongly.

Forbidden Fruit | 13 years ago | Reply Dear sir, it appears to me that this must've been your first time hearing someone chant verses and hence the palpitations. And since, as per your description, the man was a paindoo, he did it out loud.

Ali | 13 years ago | Reply If you're on a flight to Pakistan then chances are most people on that plane will be Muslim. And chances are many will say a prayer before going or during going. So there isn't anyting to fear, if anything just asking for God's protection! If media has brought this fear to you then you have to learn to deal with it and filter it out!

Ahsan Daredia | 13 years ago | Reply I think MANY of the readers here misunderstood my point. I suppose that's the downside to writing a personal opinion on the Internet. I was not blaming the man next to me for anything. Hell, he isn't even the main subject of my piece. My point was that the Western media perpetuates this fear thus ultimately turning my subconscious thoughts into a mere reflex. If I wasn't honest about how I felt, I would have never written this. After all, this is a Pakistani newspaper and writing something about Islam will always stir up some controversy so I was ready for that. Living in the United States for the past decade or so, I got accustomed to it's individualism, liberty and PRIVACY OF RELIGION. You just simply did not see or hear anyone chanting religious verses out loud publicly. Perhaps it was a shock to me as I'm now getting re-accustomed back to the Pakistani way of life. God bless.

konnet | 13 years ago | Reply A very enjoyable read. I fully agree with the author in showing the inner side to us of ourselves as a nation. I think some might say - as they have done above in a rather rude manner - that you should not think like so as a muslim and pakistani but i think that being true to ourselves and expressing the right emotions and feelings is good for development. We should not suppress our true feelings. This by no means provides an opportunity for the so called faithful brigade to level baseless allegations as if they are torch bearers of morality and final say on everything when it comes to religion.

ihk | 13 years ago | Reply @Loneliberal PK: I actually scrolled down to see your comment...i was 100% sure you'd be here.... chanting anti-Islam rhetorics is your hobby and passion, i gather?

arsalan amjad | 13 years ago | Reply why is ET now bent upon making anyone with a brain feel weary of religious fanatics?these blogs are intended to make us feel guilty for doubting the religious fanatics.it is right to question the mentality that tells me that it's wrong for my daughter to go to university without donning a burka,the mentality that tells me that i have to hate gay people for the way they were born,the mentality that tells me that i have to instantly hate atheists for what their ideology.I hope ET publishes this comment as it has no abusive words.

Loneliberal PK | 13 years ago | Reply Your fear was legitimate. This is not about being anti-religious. You may have all the respect in the world for a particular religion, but when a person starts chanting religious verses out loud in a public space, it can cause many to shift uncomfortably in their seats. This is not the result of any "Western propaganda". Muslims did it to themselves. Not all Muslims, but enough of them have engaged in or supported extremism to the point that the world has developed a fear of Islamic rituals.

Hasan | 13 years ago | Reply no joke, it once happened to me as well! i was like 'dude...! im still young!' now that one thinks of it, it a was highly stupid thing to fear.

Ali Tanoli | 13 years ago | Reply What a serious joke no wonder peoples like u Moun momena karthooth shetana.

Sohail | 13 years ago | Reply While reading the first few paras I had to check if the author is a Chinese or sumone from west.. What Crap! ET, even if you upload such pathetic pieces, atleast dont share them on FB wall, atleast set some standard for the FB page.. wasted my 10 minutes!

Dali | 13 years ago | Reply Every time, a decent, intelligent, person tries to introspect the realities being faced by a nation that is inherently divided by conflicting ideologies - they are shunned and battered - as if they aren't already facing a multiverse of paradoxes. Fear has set it's strong hold in most ET readers and they don't realize that, those who question it and try and go deeper - are just, crazy!. The author has portrayed some real truths about who we are, and who we pretend we are. Result of not only the divided conditions in our country but also our inner need to be free. Pakistan is certainly at a point where all kinds of people are finally coming out on the surface and expressing their existence. So instead of discouraging anyone, i'd really appreciate if the all-mighties can come up with - not your typical psych. solutions. But actually look within the established structures of our prevalent society and observe the strict, unchanging & archaic bases which makes it real difficult for development to occur. Too bad news and media for some is nothing more than just a/ entertainment or b/ western propaganda glorified.

Zohaib | 13 years ago | Reply you should have known these basic things about Islam, rather wasting time of your and ours as readers learn something about Islam and its basics!!!

Kashif | 13 years ago | Reply haha... Allah O Akbar... Islam is religion of peace.

CB Guy | 13 years ago | Reply we have indeed come to a point where we fear the purest Religion. yup, we have stooped top on all time low. I appreciate your recognizing this and i hope others can learn from your experience as well.

Farhan Virk | 13 years ago | Reply More than a satire it explains the vicious western propaganda against muslims and writers like you are the ones who get influenced the most from them. But still you blame Ghairat Brigade for the whole furor. Shame on all so called propaganda influenced people

Kay | 13 years ago | Reply What a pathetic piece of writing .. ET has no class. this one had nothing to offer.i always say ET has writers suffering from identity crisis !

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