The religious fanaticism and chauvinism is on its supreme when the Pakistani tourism minister, Nilofer Bakhtiar, is issued a fatwa (edict) from red Mosque clerics for herself allegedly hugging her Parachute jumping coach when she was collecting funds for the earthquake-affected children. She defies the decree abruptly, rightly so, that declares that her act was illegitimate and forbidden act as it is against the spirit of Islam that states Muslim woman should stay at home and should go outside veiled. However, Nilofer, despite the threats, is resolute enough to admit that she will do the same if it helps the people of Pakistan.
Profoundness of the situation
The incident has triggered the violence in Pakistan as the female students are receiving threatening letters and phone calls from the Islami Jamiat Talaba (IJT). IJT warns them to pay heed for the warnings and not to indulge in anti-Islamic activities. This has caused the wide road spread violence against the students accusing them of immoral activities. In many road-spread incidents, the students were beaten and dragged. The minister however, accuses the media for using the distorted caption an on the other side Jamia Binoria denied that the letter is issued from one of there leaders. May it prove true to save the innocent lives?
Avoidance of anarchy and bloodshed
The movement has led to the chaos and anarchy in Pakistani soil as the edict issued against Nilofer Bakhtiar demands the dropping her from the ministry and the strict punitive measures against her that will work as a lesson for others against the blasphemy. Fatwa defies the famous statement that every human is born free and equal in rights. Bigotry and dogmatism should end in the present time fact supported scientific era, as Islam is a religion of peace and there should be no place for force or terror. The edict is baseless and antihuman and subject to condemnation as it can lead to the riots, bloodshed and violence. The issue should resolve through negotiations and the political and religious fraternity in Pakistan should come with peaceful solution of the problem, as the meager incident of issuing a fatwa should not cause the life of innocent people.
Source: USA Today
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