‘Kaash aap merey walid hotay!’
They’re always entertaining, but the sheer Amir-Liaqatness-per-centimetre-square in a recent episode of Amir Liaqat’s ramzan show on Bol was dangerously high.
And this is not to throw around the word “dangerous,” by the way. What transpired on that show has it in it to metastasise into some rather ugly conflict in the country, especially in light of the recent militarisation of the Barevli sect.
As those aware of the format of the show would know, Liaquat is flanked on either side by scholars of the different sects and schools of thought of Islam, when callers call in, asking their various questions of faith. Even at the best of times, this is a recipe for disaster. The fact of the matter is that the sects, in their different beliefs, are farther apart than most people would like to think. The state has painstakingly maintained the veneer of uniformity but the reality is far from that. Differences of opinion are not on (seemingly) insignificant issues like when, exactly, to break fast during Ramzan, but far more fundamental issues. And there differences exist not just between the Sunni and Shia sects but also within them individually.
On the show, a caller from Indian Gujrat asked something that was perhaps inflammatory on the sectarian front. Liaqat shut down the call after giving him a piece of his mind; though, even there, he could have simply cut off the call and politely said he would not entertain such questions.
But, somehow, he segued that question to Indian Muslim televangelist Dr Zakir Naik and put one of the scholars on the stage, an ideological affiliate of Naik’s, on the spot. The fellow in question, visibly embarrassed, pointed out how it was not relevant to what the caller had asked, but Liaquat would not let go, focussing on a particular word that Naik had used. Dr Naik, a Maharashtra native, not as comfortable in Urdu as he would be in English or Marathi, perhaps uses a diction in a particular theological debate, that the other side (in Pakistan, not India) would construe as offensive. Otherwise, it was a standard Barelvi versus Wahabi thing. Nothing new.
But Liaquat got another cleric to weigh in on the issue who, rather than asking for the issue to be resolved, didn’t miss the opportunity of taking a swipe at his sectarian adversary. But, to twist the knife further, Liaquat walked off the stage, saying he won’t share the stage with a person with such views!
Dangerous stuff, this. With the aforementioned militarisation of the Barelvis afoot, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the local scholar’s life could have been at risk.
Following much outcry, Pemra banned the show for 30 days.
But the Islamabad High Court, in a subsequent ruling, has said that Liaqat could not be barred from appearing on other shows.
Somehow, using it as some sort of as a reprieve, Liaquat has straight-up resumed the show. Albeit, by not sitting in the host’s show, but as a guest. Though it is still clear who will do most of the talking on the show.
A word, here, about Liaquat’s relationship with the channel. He left on pretty bad terms, with him going on an online rant against Bol. To which the channel’s mascot, some fellow with a Guy Fawkes mask, filmed rejoinders. It got ugly and petty, with monies and and staff vehicles being discussed.
Recently, an audio clip, allegedly of Liaquat’s, addressed to an official of an intelligence agency, went viral on WhatsApp. Makes some rather spicy revelations about the relationship of you-know-who and the channel.
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In the same program was a young man, a fan of Amir Liaqat’s, who could not believe he was face-to-face with his idol. Touched by the dedication of his fan, he announced a prize for him: an umra ticket and a cell phone.
But that wasn’t enough for the young man. I want to “stay with you,” he said. Where will you stay, asked Liaqat. I want to do umra with you, the youngster now said. By this time, he had started sobbing.
One does not want to mine for mirth in the strange behaviour of a person who just might be (entertain the thought) having mental issues. But when the young man delivered his piece de resistance, all bets were off. The killer line: kaash aap merey walid hotay.
The Pakistani internet, being what it is, immediately proceeded to immortalise him in a set of hilarious memes.
I hope he’s okay.
