It is quite unfortunate that diversity is being restrained to satisfy the egos of a few
RAWALPINDI: It is the 21st century, where people are fighting for equality and freedom of speech among other things. However, many localities in Pakistan are far from progressing and it’s quite saddening to see locals from these neighbourhoods practising the law of the jungle. In a recent incident, clerics in Khyber Agency burnt 10 musical instruments stating that they will not allow any ‘un-Islamic’ activities to take place in the area.
People in the agency had already seen a ban on such activities, which were deemed unlawful, during the height of Taliban terror. However, after the military operations, many locals could do as they wished without any fear. But it seems the clerics in the area want to hold the reins of power by bringing back the fear. Although the APA of Jamrud tehsil has assured that if the clerics are found guilty they will be dealt with in accordance with law, but going by the country’s history, it is quite unlikely that anyone would want to go against the religious scholars.
In a country where a simple call to the police by a cleric can halt an ongoing party, we can assume how the events of this incident are likely to unfold. It is quite unfortunate that diversity is being restrained to satisfy the egos of a few.
Wali Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2017.
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