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Pakistan is a country of diversity where people of various casts and creed live together under one green flag and banner of Islam. Despite being an Islamic republic most of the hoi-pollois are driven by un-Islamic social values. Besides, not only Islamic values but the ancestral traits and culture of Pakistan showcase humility, kindness, and generosity, but the majority are following unethical traits.
A recent viral video from the district Sheikhupura in Punjab depicts how a teenage boy was trying to sell bananas for a living and got confronted by a mob of people, allegedly Tehreek e Labaik supporters, who attacked his cart, driven by a donkey, and snatched bananas from it. The boy unable to protect his bananas drove the cart but the mob didn’t allow him to. The video stormed social media and got immense reactions; such as:
In Sheikhupura, at Batti Chowk, so called lovers of Prophet P. B.U.H are showing their love for the Prophet by looting a poor street vendor. pic.twitter.com/DXEggoMEtv
— Ayaz Buriro (@AyazBuriroPPP) November 2, 2018
Maybe, the child selling bananas had taken the bananas on debt from the market, or maybe his guardians had sold vital equipment of a house to provide money to their child so he could do some business. The pertinent question is how come the religiously motivated mob did not realize the above-mentioned facts and looted the boy and ignored the teachings of the Holy Prophet (SAW) whose sacred name they chant all day long!
To our utter dismay, we live in a society where on the name of the Prophet (PBUH), people are ready to be killed or to kill. We have failed to follow the steps of the Man who brought us this religion. Moreover, the norms and culture of Pakistanis, of which we are proud; calling it modest and benevolent, are not being followed in its true spirits. People use the norms for their own benefit, but when it comes the harder way, they ignore moral values.
The banana seller had a dismal look on his face when he tried to escort his bananas. He was anxious and wanted to save them but it was out of his ambit. According to sociologist Emile Durkheim, deviance in society arises due to abnormal social behavior and by not following prescribed norms and values. This deviancy leads to crime, it is very much possible that the banana seller could be disappointed with the act by the mob, and may indulge in criminal activities or even commit suicide.
It is pertinent that the government takes notice of the act and provides justice to the adolescent. Hopefully, the DPO, DC, or any minister in Punjab would take up the incident and provide remittances to the banana seller. In addition, religious scholars like Khaddim Rizvi and other eminent figures of mass media and intellectuals of society need to educate the masses to ensure a prosperous and peaceful society.
