Request for action against right wing campaign - State should not cave in to pressure from fundamentalists
Pakistan: Campaign to terrorize theatre group
1.
The pro-Taliban elements and their political patrons have made an issue
of an Ajoka play “Burqavaganza’, which was staged in Lahore
in March 2007. Five MMA MNAs submitted an adjournment motion in the
National Assembly, which was discussed on 26 April 2007. MMA members
used extremely provocative language against the writer/director of the
play and director of Ajoka, accused them of ridiculing Islamic
injunctions and demanded action against them under blasphemy laws.
Although several MNAs from Government and Opposition including women
MNAs wanted to speak on the motion but the speaker did not allow them.
The Minister for Culture Mr. G.G. Jamal announced that the Government
had banned the play and further action will be taken after a report
from the Punjab Government is received.
2.
“Burqavaganza” is a satirical play, which uses Burqa as a
metaphor for double standards and cover-ups in the society. The play
shows all characters (men and women) wearing burqas, including
politicians, terrorist leaders and policemen. Issues addressed include
gender discrimination, religious extremism, terrorism, love marriage
and media programmes promoting intolerance. It had been made very clear
in the brochure of the play and before and after the play that the
theme of the play was not critical of any one’s religious beliefs
or dress preference, but about the hypocrisy and double standards and
the feudal mindset. The audience loved the play and it got very good
press reviews. The play had been staged in collaboration with the
Lahore Arts Council and the Executive director of the Council greeted
the cast at the end of the play. On great public demand the play was
again staged on 18 April at the Panjpani Indo-Pak Theatre Festival at
Arts Council, Lahore.
3.
The capitulationist stand taken by the Government in the face of MMA
onslaught is very disappointing and disturbing. Instead of telling the
fanatic MMA members not to intimidate theatre groups and the arts
councils, he arbitrarily announced a ban on the play and promised
further action. The speaker did not prevent the members from using
defamatory language against two leading theatre practitioner Shahid
Nadeem and Madeeha Gauhar. Reporting of the remarks can incite fanatics
to further harass Ajoka, Arts Council and other artists in the country.
It is
disturbing that the Government of President Musharraf is taking a
weak-kneed and apologetic stand on the continuous challenge by the
pro-Taliban elements. The Government inaction over Jamia Hafsa stand
off, Islami Jamiat attacks in Punjab University and moral policing in
the NWFP have not only damaged government’s credibility and
ability to establish its writ, it has also emboldened the fanatics to
spread their tentacles. The Government has totally failed to punish
those who are challenging its writ and intimidating students and
artists. It has also miserably failed to protect those are being
intimated and attacked by the pro-Taliban elements.
4.
Ajoka is an independent and non-commercial theatre group committed to
the cause of social change since 1984. It has addressed social issues
boldly but artistically. It is determined to promote a culture of peace
and enlightenment. As the Government of Pakistan has failed in its duty
to protect the rights of freedom of expression and paid only lip
service to the concept of “enlightened moderation’ , we
appeal to the democratic governments and international human rights and
development organizations to support us and urge the Pakistan
Government to fulfill its obligation to protect its citizens rights and
take effective measures against the Talibanist who are terrorizing the
people of Pakistan.
5.
We will appreciate if you could contact the Pakistan Government
expressing your concern at the harassment of Ajoka and urge the
Government to ensure that Ajoka is able to carry out its work as a
theatre group freely. Please address the letters to:
General Pervez Musharraf
President of Pakistan
President House
Constitution House
Islamabad, Pakistan
Fax: +92 51 922 1422, 4768/ 920 1893 or 1835
Email: ( http://www.presidentofpakistan.gov.pk/WTPresidentMessage.aspx)
Please copy the letters to the following:
1. Mr Shaukat Aziz
Prime Minister of Pakistan
Prime Minister Secretariat
Constitution Avenue
Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: primeminister@pak.gov.pk
2. Mr G.G. Jamal
Federal Minister for Culture
Ministry of Culture
Pakistan Secretariat
Constitution Avenue
Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: minsiter@culture.gov.pk
3. Mr Pervez Elahi
Chief Minister Punjab
Chief Minister House
Lahore, Pakistan
Email: (http://www.chpervaizelahi.com/writemsg.asp )
4. Lt General Khalid Maqbool
Governor Punjab
Governor House
Lahore, Pakistan
Fax: +92 42 9200023
E-mail: governor.sectt@punjab.gov.pk
5. Copy for information to;
Ajoka theatre
24-B Sarwar Road, Lahore Cantt Pakistan. Fax: 9242-666 5021
Thank you for your support,
Madeeha Gauhar 27 April 2007
Artistic Director
Ajoka Theatre