Religious extremism a big issue for Pakistan: Bizenjo

Aitzaz says debate on women, religion and sects
has divided our society; noted figures discuss Faiz,
politics on concluding day of Faiz Int’l Festival

LAHORE: Recollection about Faiz Ahmed Faiz and current affairs were discussed on the last day of Faiz International Festival,  at Alhmara Arts Council, Lahore, The Mall, on Sunday.

"Politics, Activism and the Way Forward" session was well attended at the festival. The speakers at the session Mir Hasil Kahn Bizenjo of National Party, Abid Hussain Manto of Awami Workers Party, Aitzaz Ahsan of PPP, Afrassiab Khattak of Awami National Party, Salman Rafiq of PML-N and Asad Omer from PTI threw light on the current political scenario in Pakistan. They also discussed global politics. The session was applauded by the audience.

Mir Hasil Bizenjo said, "Religious extremism is a big issue for our country. The state gave birth to Taliban, now they are challenging the state. Blood is being shed who will stop them. Pakistan has entangled in whirlwind of limitless problems."

He said, "Balochistan is still in the 18th century. First they (Baloch people) were beaten by whip, now they have been victims of bullets. Fata's markets were demolished. It is alarming that religious extremism has become state policy now. Zia was not only one who promoted extremism rather other networks also supported it. Balochistan is facing extreme injustice. Actually two institutions have been trying to run Pakistan. But the real power enjoys the Army. The difference on decision between GHQ and parliaments can be observed easily."

Aitzaz Ahsan said Socialism was the only solution to rescue the nation from all kinds of evils. "Debate on women, religion and sects has divided our society," he said. Shafqat Mahmood said politics and capital went hand in hand. That is the reason the political elite seemed busy accumulating wealth abundantly, he added.

The session was in full swing when Nayyara Noor, Tina Sani, Arshad Mehmood and Shahid Toosi talked about "Singing Faiz." Mustansir Hussain Tarar shared his 50 years experiences in the media.

Pakistani film and TV artiste Mahira Khan said that working with Indian iconic actor Shah Rukh was her dream which had come true. She was answering to the questions asked by Sarmad Khoosat and Meera Hashmi in an open session of discussion on the last day of the festival.

Mahira revealed that Bollywood and Lollywood were two different schools of acting. She said that Shah Rukh Khan encouraged actors in his movies. She said that she was a full-time mother and a part time actor. Replying to another query, Mahira said that there was no set formula or a shortcut to fame and success. She said that she was very impressed by the unmatched talents of Madhuri Dixit. She said that she was a mother first and her heart remains with her kid all the time .

Earlier, panel discussions were held in different sessions about the state of Pakistani film industry and "Singing Faiz."