Daily Times

American comedian Jeremy McLellan, who is popular among the Muslim community for his clear stance against Islamophobia in the West, is currently on a visit to Pakistan. Jeremy McLellan arrived in Lahore on Wednesday and has been keeping his Facebook fans updated about his trip. The American comedian often mentions his love for biryani, and that’s when Karachiites and Lahoris on his Facebook page start arguing over which form of biryani is more “authentic”.

Daily Times got in touch with McLellan to find out what he has been up to and whether he is enjoying the trip. Here’s what he had to say.

What brought you to Pakistan? Tell us about your plans during the trip.

I’ve wanted to come to Pakistan for several years but never had a good opportunity. Then, a few months ago, my dear friend Sultan told me about a mission’s trip he was doing with IMANA to do free dental work in the villages around Islamabad, and I jumped at the chance to go help. Then I worked with Kuch Khaas to set up shows here and everything fell into place.

How long are you here for and which cities will you be touring?

I’ll be here for a couple of weeks. The trip is organised around the IMANA charity work, so I’ll be in Islamabad and Lahore. Sadly, there was no possible way to include Karachi on this trip, but I hope to be back in April.

How has your experience been so far? Do you like it?

So far, everything has been amazing. I’ve been to the Badshahi Mosque, Haveli restaurant, Food Street, some markets, FC College, and Emporium. We’ve also driven around the city.

After spending five days in Pakistan, do you think the country and its people are misunderstood in the West?

Very much so. The West sees Pakistan as connected to Afghanistan instead of connected to India, so the assumption is that it’s all a war-torn area full of terrorists and if you’re a Christian they kill you.

Before I came here I performed at the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal and met with a lot of important people in Hollywood. Most of them couldn’t understand why I would come. But I don’t mind getting hatred at all. It means I’m doing something right

On your Facebook page, Muslims and Pakistanis love you for your stance against Islamophobia. How does it make you feel?

I love it. I never set out to get this kind of following, I just say what I believe and what I think is right. I think things could get very bad very quickly under President Trump so I think it’s important for everyone to realise that and speak out.

Since you are known for your commentary on political issues, have you ever felt threatened in the US because of your pro-Muslim views especially after Trump’s election as president?

All the time. I get lots of death threats and hateful messages whenever I do a show for Muslims or take a stance like that. But I don’t care.

Do you follow Pakistan’s politics? If yes, is there a Pakistani politician or any public figure you support and/or would like to meet?

It wouldn’t be smart of me to insert myself into Pakistani politics. I’d love to meet everyone.

Since you announced your arrival, we have been witnessing city wars on your Facebook page. What do you think about the rift?

Well the reason for the city war is that I can’t come to Karachi, so all the people there are saying Lahore people eat donkey meat.

Did you finally have the ‘authentic’ biryani? How did you like it?

I did! It was great. But I get fed authentic biryani all the time by people from Pakistan in the US.

Your haters often accuse you of being too sympathetic towards Muslims. Did you get any backlash from them over your decision to visit Pakistan? How do you generally deal with the hatred?

Some of them think I’m stupid or crazy for going, because all they know about Pakistan is the Taliban or whatever they saw on ‘Homeland’. Before I came here I performed at the Just for Laughs festival in Montreal and met with a lot of important people in Hollywood. Most of them couldn’t understand why I would come. But I don’t mind getting hatred at all. It means I’m doing something right.

If you were to describe the people of Pakistan in three words, what would they be?

Hospitality,no personal space and love.

The writer is currently the assistant editor at Daily Times. She tweets at @AiliaZehra and can be reached at ailiazehra2012@gmail.com