Adil Najam
Normalcy is slowly making its way back to Swat. I am not much of a fan of Pushto cinema, nor is watching the newest Pushto movie my idea of what Eid is; but I am a big fan of the idea that those who wish to see Pushto movies should be able to do so. That is called freedom. And that is why this picture and news item from Dawn makes me feel good this Eid.
MINGORA: Film shows and other forms of entertainment returned to Swat district on Monday, after about three years. On the first day of Eid a new Pashto film was released in two cinema halls which ran three daily shows. Authorities did not allow the late-night show because of curfew. Another cinema house is likely to reopen in a few days.
People queuing up to buy tickets for ‘Gul Soorey Soorey Kram’ had to undergo a thorough body search. On Tuesday, police had to use batons to disperse a large crowd which had gathered outside a cinema. Because of the disturbance the first two shows at the hall were cancelled. Entertainment business in Swat suffered huge losses over the past three years. The Taliban had forced dancers and musicians and owners of video and audio shops to either abandon their work or leave the district.
Early this year, they killed dancer Shabana and hung her body from a lamppost in a chowk. Now after the successful military operation, dancers are returning to their homes and most video shops have reopened. Shops dealing in garments and cosmetics for women are doing a roaring business. People offered Eid prayers in local mosques while the main congregation was held in Saidu Sharif for administration and army personnel under tight security.
It’s encouraging to hear a different news from this region. Good for all of us. Perhaps, there is a better tomorrow!
I strongly hope and pray that days of brutality in Swat are over. Innocent people suffered a lot and sacrificed tremendously to eradicate extremism. Hope for your prosperity and progress.
Eid Mubarik Swat!
Aamer, it does not matter what the meaning of normalcy is. Use any of your 10. But we know well what is NOT normalcy, what is pure evil. And that was the Taliban, so the fact that their facism is no longer there or at least reduced is something to celebrate and to thank God for.
Normalcy? What is the official definition of normalcy?
I bet there are 10 different variations of it.
This news makes me feel good too.
The people of Swat have suffered too much and too long at the hands of the Taliban. Good that life is getting normal again. I pray it remains so.