In City of Tolerance…
I was quoted in this NYT article on Lahore
Still, Raza Rumi, a writer and blogger who takes great pride in his city, insisted that “Islamic extremism has had very little appeal here.” The cultural life of Lahore goes on, as it has for centuries.
He said that a recent stage play, “Hotel Moenjodaro,” whose theme was against religious fundamentalism, drew a packed audience. “It was very encouraging,” Mr. Rumi said.
Nonetheless, he said, the Hall Road incident and the juice store blasts were alarming. “If the traders, the merchant class, which forms the bulk of the middle class of Lahore, becomes Talibanized, then the whole complexion of the city will change,” he said. “That’s a fear amongst the secular intelligentsia and elite of Lahore.”
Full story here
This is so cool.
Politics of fear. That’s how I see it. Its a pity to see this all in any city of our beloved land.
I wonder if the pornographic material of Peshawar – which used to be sold openly till 2-3 years ago – still exist or if the fear of the ‘so-called’ Taleban has wiped it all off the streets.
The only fear I have is that things are going to go a lot worse before getting better.
Hello,
I found my way here via the NY Times article, actually. I’m enjoying the blog. With the limited coverage of Pakistan that we get over here, it’s interesting to read your site.
Best,
S