Pearl Continental (PC) hotel decorated its hall with long, black drapes and lined the corridor with candles and scarecrows, creating an eerie atmosphere. An “Enter at your own risk” sign was placed at the entrance and loud, horrifying sounds could be heard as people walked in. Those with a weak heart were warned of the terrors that lay ahead.
Anam Zia, who had come to the event in a gorilla costume, excitedly claimed: “This is not entertainment; it is ‘horrifying entertainment’!” Zia lauded the efforts of the hotel management for arranging such a night. “But laughing at Halloween’s horrors cannot make you forget the true horrors this city faces daily,” she said.
This was for the second consecutive year that Halloween was celebrated in the city. Last year too, the event was organised by PC. The children, many of whom had come not knowing what they were in for, were terrified by the ghostly sounds and spooky lighting. A zombie walking around made things worse for parents of wailing children. While some children refused to enter the hall, others forced their families to leave early.
Like all things controversial, the celebrations came under much debate. Although Safiullah Jan seemed to be enjoying the party, he said that such events must not be held. “This is not a cultural day or an Islamic festival so we should not hold these parties.”
Pleased with the turnout, the hotel management told The Express Tribune that they hope to familiarise people with festivals and traditions celebrated around the world. “The enthusiasm and participation today shows that the city still has an appetite for entertainment.”
Published in The Express Tribune, November 2nd, 2012.
COMMENTS (13)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
good hay!
@Riaz Khan: love your comment man..dat is so true !!
no need for these masks women. Just come out without makeup.
I was there at the Halloween Party at PC, it was nice and the only purpose was to provide good family entertainment, which is much needed demand of our country these days. I am a regular visiter at PC and have also attended other festivals related to Eid and other national events
This is not about culture. If someone wants to celebrate it its his choice. he is free to exercise it. after all you people live under a democratic rights system.
I went to the halloween party at PC ........ it was quite nice and was only for the propose of family entertainment which is much need in Pakistan under current senario. i am a regular visiter at PC and have attended events regarding eid and other national festivels as well
=/
Pakistan as a whole is one big Halloween Party which is going on since 65 years!
@Opinion: And what is your culture?
This is not our culture.
Not our culture this should be banned .which there was party or function regrding Eid. or PC has any plan from 12 rabi ul awal.
Haha, Mr. Saifullah Jan is a great representative of a certain type of Pakistani. Show up at a Halloween party then complain about it.
I have never attended a Halloween party in my life because I don't care for it. Why can't these people just do the same, and let others who do attend just be. You live your life; let others live theirs'.