KARACHI JOURNAL; When She Speaks, He’s Breaking All of Islam’s Taboos - New York Times
Ok, I don’t watch Pakistani television and I would be surprised if his show is still around but I am not sure how Ali Saleem can be included amongst those who are “ruining image of their country worldwide”. People leading bi, tri or whatever lifestyles are obviously not unique to Pakistan although there is a popular perception in the west at least that treatment of such people in an Islamic society like Pakistan is hostile at best. If we are so concerned about Pakistan’s image- which, to be honest, is more of a caricature of a land brimming with bearded fundos and chador clad women- then it should be some consolation to us that popularity of the begum bears testament to our acceptance of diversity. Interestingly BNA herself has pointed out the lack of “death threats” she has received and the disconnect between how Pakistan is perceived by outsiders and the reality within the country.
There is no dearth of maulanas and people masquerading as religious scholars ala Amir Liaquat Hussein dispensing advice on Pakistani channels so I don’t think a show like BNA’s, however outrageous, is something very ominous to national identity of the country.
Maybe because I am first and foremost an American, I am not uncomfortable with the idea of people who are different, and that includes their sexual orientation. It is unfortunate that Pakistan is one of the few countries where people are killed while dining in an Italian restaurant in Islamabad (their fault: too westernized?) and while marching in ashura processions (their fault: too heretical?) That is why I am heartened by a show like BNA; there is so much intolerance in Pakistani society that we need all the expressions of pluralism-cultural and otherwise.