Daily Times

Sir: I sometimes wonder whether Pakistanis live in a mad house. An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has awarded a jail sentence of 26 years and has imposed heavy fines on the chief of an electronic media group, lady host of a morning talk show, an artist and her husband for the following offence: telecasting a manqabat (poem of religious leanings) in the backdrop of a staged marriage ceremony. What is the issue? Several television channels have telecast the same manqabat numerous times during their morning talk shows using marriage ceremonies or other happy events as background. Why was only one television channel singled out along with its artists? This television channel, its host and artists have already apologised in public for any unintentional mistake. That apology has been telecast several times, proving the television management’s regrets. Then why such a harsh punishment?

This proves, beyond any doubt, that the blasphemy laws imposed by a military dictator in collusion with religious and sectarian parties are now taking their toll all across society. It is not only religious minorities and sectarian opponents; anyone can be caught at any time. It is a way to extract revenge on your opponents, grab land, destroy businesses and punish a boss, all in the name of religion. Perhaps we do not belong to this planet.

MASOOD KHAN

Jubail,

Saudi Arabia