Violent-times: Religious outfits observe ‘Haya’ day

Islami Jamiat Talaba holds protest in University of Peshawar.

PESHAWAR:

While people in the city stepped out to celebrate love, religious organisations overshadowed their celebrations by announcing a Haya day (modesty day).

The student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami held a protest walk on the Peshawar University campus and outside the Peshawar Press Club with banners inscribed with anti-Valentine’s Day slogans.

Boundary walls of educational institutions and other areas across the city were covered with posters with verses from the Holy Quran against western culture and those who celebrate western traditions. One poster read: “This day spreads immodesty in the world.”

“I have printed and distributed 7,000 brochures and designed and circulated the new Haya wallpapers in thousands,” said Islami Jamiat Talaba’s Shah Zaman.



Valentine’s Day cards were burned in our demonstration and we will never allow the spread of immodesty, he added.

“We have invited people to come and sit with us and enjoy a few pleasant moments to bring smiles on their faces,” said Abdul Aziz, the president of Motivated Youth Organisation.

The provincial head of IJT, Sohail Ahmad Rahi, said the group organised protests and walks in institutes across the province.

“Instead of adopting awful things from foreign cultures and religions, we should learn their science, technology, and management. However, Pakistanis only know how to learn the worst of traits,” Rahi said.

Overall, Valentine’s Day celebrations were on a minor scale and limited to a few restaurants and halls in University Town.

Aziz, however, said such occasions are much needed in our region to express mutual love and respect.

Saira Yusuf, a University of Peshawar student, said that because the environment is so tense, people are less excited about this day. “It is the religious organisations who are bringing this up.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2013.