Re: Students raid Islamabad brothel
While I certainly disagree with the approach of dispatching vigilante justice on the street (its a recipe for disaster and end of civilized world), I think this instance also highlights the lack of trust people have in the law-enforcement agencies. Obviously everyone knows that prostitution and brothels are completely illegal in Pakistan, and still they know police does not take action.
I believe this is just the tip of the iceberg.
In one of my blogs from Lahore last year, I observed the growing chasm between the uber liberal class and the ultra-conservatives in our big cities. While brothels and prostitution are certainly not a new phenomenon (they are a reality of mankind from time immortal), the ultra-conservatives in our society are growing in number, in strength and are getting more strict in their views and how they want to implement their version of Islam over everyone else.
I am not saying what is right and what is not about our society (you can make your own determination) but those who will like to envision Pakistan as a liberal, progressive and advanced Muslim country should worry; and those that want to see a country that is in the forefront of a deeply religious society have much to cheer.
Despite all the hoopla we hear about Musharraf and how he is bringing this new-found "enlightenment" in the country and how vulgarity and western values are gaining popularity; my personal feeling is that while all that may be true. But the reactive forces, the veils, the darhis and the namazis are getting even more stronger. They may not be in power right now, but they have gained enormously in sheer numbers over the last few years. Unfortunately, my feeling is that its just a matter of time, before both sides to the issue start resorting to violence more and more.