In Pakistan, hurling shoes mostly at politicians has become a common occurrence
LAHORE: Being thrown a shoe at is equally disrespectful for all, be it a judge, a politician or even a commoner. Over the past few years, several such incidents in which shoes were being hurled at political figures have been highlighted in the media. Where on the one hand, the act is an expression of one’s hatred towards the target, the reactionary treatment of the thrower is something that has not been reported or bought to the attention of the media.
In Pakistan, hurling shoes mostly at politicians has become a common occurrence with the least of condemnation and discouragement being stated towards the public for stooping down to such a level. The masses need to be made aware of the disrespect that the act carries. It in no possible way can be or should ever be allowed as a freedom of expression. Yet, at the same time, it certainly is not such a big crime that one should be legally tried for under the law and then convicted in the manner that recently happened in Multan. A man was being tried in a robbery case by an anti-terrorism court, during the hearings of which he threw a shoe at the judge for not releasing him despite him being granted a bail. However, later at the end of the hearings the convict was awarded 18 years of imprisonment with a fine of Rs0.2 million rupees for throwing a show at the judge.
Keeping the verdict aside, a condemnation of this act should also be made by all stakeholders of a democratic setup when politicians face similar humiliation.
Rida Aleem
Published in The Express Tribune, May 8th, 2018.
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