[font=Courier New] I am western educated. I am not narrow minded nor ‘madar pidar azad’ but I have sense of normality and reasonability. I have never liked religious parties because they are extremists in their views but at the same time from my heart I respect them because so far no big finger has been raised against them in national looting. I am very appreciative of one thing that these are the people who in time of any public and national issue practically come forward while others (including myself) merely talk or criticize. Though these people are in a limited number but since they are honest in their cause according to their belief they have the power and might. On the mixed marathon race these religious groups or MMA have come forward. The rulers, elite and western returned have criticized MMA’s stand on this race as according to them this is bringing the Pakistan a bad name and an old days nation. I am not against women’s sports or their taking part in today’s affairs. I believe women have more potential in professions. I even do not mind family type mixed large gathering but I do not like ladies in activities like mixed marathon and in short knickers. A girls marathon has now been held I am not against it. I feel due to our eating and life style where diabetics and heart related diseases are on increase and it has been recognized body must move if the girls are coming on such activities like race it should be appreciated. However those who are criticizing MMA, I can say without any hesitation that they are liberal and modern only as far runners are the wives daughters mothers of others and they themselves are happy spectators but these broad minded liberal Nazir Najis, Kamran Shafis or Ayaz Amirs would never ever allow their home ladies to run in the mixed marathon or in Basant festivals wearing half knickers. If they are really honest in their belief then they should come forward and arrange a mixed marathon race of their ladies and I would request elders of MMA not to disturb this race.
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