The concept of being a vegetarian is still alien to a majority in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: The concept of being a vegetarian is still alien to a majority in Pakistan, primarily because there isn’t enough number of restaurants which cater to the needs of vegetarians. Also, being a vegetarian automatically goes against the traditional idea of Asian cuisines and meaty meals. Changing one’s eating habits for the better has gone from something personal to a political act of rebellion. However, more than anything it’s about a healthy lifestyle.
We as a society should be more accommodating towards people who choose to eat less meat or no meat at all. Local organisations need to promote this and pave the way for veganism and vegetarianism in Pakistan, as only then, sooner or later, will we see the emergence of vegetarian restaurants too. Being a vegetarian is a personal choice and the motivation behind this decision varies from person to person. But as a country, we need to embrace it and not raise our eyebrows at those who choose to call themselves ‘vegetarians’.
Iman Mohammed
Published in The Express Tribune, July 22nd, 2018.
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