Not kosher
THE Uttar Pradesh government’s recent decision to ban the sale of halal-certified products is the latest salvo fired in the Hindutva culture war at Indian Muslims. It is also likely that the BJP, which rules UP, is trying to beef up its Hindutva credentials before India goes to the polls next year through crude stunts like these. News reports quoted officials as saying that the halal certification of several products represents a “parallel system”, while a BJP youth wing member has gone a step ahead, filing a case alleging that sales of halal products were funding terrorist activities. This is the work of overactive imaginations. These efforts would be laughable had they not affected the fundamental rights of tens of millions of Indian Muslims. Yesterday it was about offering prayers in public and women’s right to wear hijab, today it is about halal food, and tomorrow the Hindutva state will use other cultural and religious symbols to further ostracise India’s Muslims.
A BJP spokesman has justified the halal ban by saying that “religion should not be brought into food”. If that is the case, why did India pass a law in 2011, which orders the labelling of packed food products as vegetarian or otherwise? Moreover, if religion and food should be kept separate, why do the majority of Indian states ban cow slaughter? Mixing religion and food is alright when it is done to protect the beliefs of India’s observant Hindus but is not kosher where Muslim dietary restrictions are concerned. This hypocrisy is untenable. Many non-Muslim countries allow halal labelling, though far-right actors have started attacking this freedom. Halal certification is basically an understanding between producers and Muslims consumers who wish to follow their dietary restrictions. No one is forcing other communities to consume halal food. But with the halal ban, the Sangh Parivar is only continuing its crusade to erase nearly 1,000 years of Muslim influence from public life.
Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2023
Chaman unrest
RADE with Afghanistan through the Chaman border crossing has been suspended lately due to protests organised by local pressure groups, resulting in losses running into the millions each day. However, the state, instead of losing patience, should continue to employ a gentle touch while still remaining firm on its position. The protesters on the Pakistan side of the border, said to number in the thousands, include traders, political workers and members of civil society who are unhappy with the state’s new ‘one document policy’, which is aimed at overhauling the laissez-faire manner in which the crossing has been traditionally operated. Under the policy, anyone hoping to travel between Pakistan and Afghanistan through Chaman must hold a passport with a valid visa in order to be allowed to cross. This may seem like a straightforward condition to anyone accustomed to international travel, but Chaman has traditionally been an ‘open’ border notorious for smuggling. Given recent developments in Pakistan’s relations with Afghanistan, it is not surprising that the authorities want to keep a closer eye on who is crossing in and out, and, as such, their demand is not unreasonable.
However, the state must also protect the interests of all Pakistanis who are going to be affected by this policy and should take measures to ensure that the transition to this new system is a smooth one. To be fair, the new system does represent a major hurdle for people who could previously cross over as long as they had their national ID cards with them. They cannot be expected to adapt to an alien system overnight — interim measures should be taken to facilitate them. Afghan authorities have been invited to start consular services in Chaman, but till they are able to do so, some other arrangement, perhaps involving temporary travel passes issued by the respective governments, can be explored. Meanwhile, the protesters must continue to be reasoned with and made to understand the security and administrative needs that have necessitated the new policy. Care should be taken so that the visa requirement is understood not as a punitive or restrictive measure but as a policy meant to protect those living in Pakistan. Obviously, some illicit interests will be threatened by it, but the country cannot forsake its national interests for some unscrupulous elements.
Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2023
Campaigning, anyone?
PAKISTAN’S sombre mood is in sharp contrast to the electoral enthusiasm witnessed in 2008 and 2013. Two and a half months before the country goes to the polls on Feb 8, 2024, the air is far from redolent with fervour.
Political players have yet to hit the hustings with purpose, while party anthems, pamphlets and party kiosks are mostly absent from view, leaving the streets and screens devoid of election hype. As for the electorate, antipathy for the upcoming festival of democracy is palpable.
On the face of it, PPP stands out as the only political outfit determined to whip up hope and gusto. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari used Iqbal Day to launch an aggressive campaign trail, urging followers in various parts of the country to push for victory. During his opening salvo, Mr Bhutto-Zardari raised the stakes by demanding that the old guard make way for new blood. While his father, Asif Ali Zardari had previously presented his son as a superior option for the position of chief executive, he recently countered his own opinion in an interview, with an emphasis on the value of experience.
Certainly, the Bhutto scion is a representative of the new generation of politicians, but he was ill-advised to indulge in negative politics. Instead, in times of economic and social distress, issues that plague the populace should be fostered with conviction.
Meanwhile, the PML-N is taking things slow, with sporadic workers’ conventions and corner meetings. In doing so, the party projects a negative image for the people, coming across as unapproachable. Its nonchalant approach is also fanning speculations of internal strife in its Punjab cadres. Besides, the party promised a forceful electoral campaign recently, but then linked the commencement of its drive to Nawaz Sharif’s clearance in his legal cases.
The question is, as Mr Sharif tidies up his legal challenges, what keeps Maryam Nawaz away from the people? Further afield, for PTI chairman Imran Khan, the poll season seems set to play out between prison and the courts. His embattled party, given its recent troubles and the migration of many legislators, is a shadow of its 2018 avatar. Other parties, like the BNP-M, JUI-F, ANP, the Jamaat and even MQM, to a certain degree, are conspicuous in their absence from the election stage.
Little can validate PML-N’s lacklustre attitude or PTI’s persecution, calling into question the ECP’s commitment to democratic values and a fair contest. While political rallies are pivotal as shows of strength, an animated run-up frees citizens as it quashes uncertainty around elections. Our political class must demonstrate active recognition of canvassing as an assurance of accord and stability. Indifference towards elections will foment despair and suspicion that the state machinery has been managed and the right to choose a leadership stands erased.
Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2023