Whenever few Pakistanis meet, whether living in the mother country or overseas, the only topic which comes under spotlight is growing extremism and its consequences in the form of religious and sectarian terrorism.
Just a few days back a TV channel aired an hour long interview with musician/singer turned preacher Junaid Jamshed (JJ) who now runs a very successful business of clothes. Junaid has a visible following among masses from his music band days; therefore, whatever he was saying on TV was to be copied by his fans and ordinary people without much questioning. TV channels and electronic media regulators in government should think if they are serving the nation by allowing such extremist uncensored views laced with religious colour to be telecasted.
Junaid expressed his open unhappiness with women stepping out of their homes. According to him, if someone wants to lead a happy married life, he shouldn’t teach his wife how to drive, and shouldn’t let her go out as she may soon leave him forever. He rejected the possibility that even single parents have no other option but to make a living on their own. He opined about beating of children as best for their growth and discipline. Such sick views don’t need any further comments. But buck shall not stop at condemnation statements. Our TV channels permit dozens of religious extremists to do the same things. Civil society needs to take Junaid’s ranting into account; he needs to be realised of his bad influence on his followers and on common people. In my opinion, his business of fashion wears and his views on women and children are contradictory. Civil society should also make an intelligent choice between JJ’s extremist views and his fashion wear.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
