Last month, the Punjab Assembly resolved to ban all late-night call packages offered by mobile telecommunications companies in the province. During vigorous assembly debates, it was concluded that the ability to make cheap, late-night phone calls was having a negative impact on this country’s bright young things. Forget terrorism, the energy crisis, a weakened government, and water shortages – apparently boys and girls texting and calling each other past their bed time has become a matter of national concern.
Hence the assembly resolution demanding that mobile companies stop promoting “cheap rate, late night packages that alter societal tendencies.” Luckily for us nocturnal phone addicts, the powers that be haven’t yet discovered the prevalence of instant messenger or the internet.
I hate to be the harbinger of bad news, but cheap mobile packages don’t corrupt the youth, society corrupts the youth. After all, the previous generation grew up without mobile phones, the internet, cable television, and Gossip Girl, and they’ve hardly turned out to be bastions of virtue.
The youth’s desire for healthy communicative relationships won’t evaporate because placing a call gets a few bucks more expensive. Youngsters invest in relationships the same way our army invests in defence: frequently, expensively, and with no regard for better judgement.
This measure is the latest in long-standing social and political movement to micromanage the morality of young Pakistanis. Society’s pandering and preaching has long complicated any healthy degree of interaction between the sexes. Most parents (of girls, in particular) are heavily in favour of social segregation. As a result, there are already enough impediments to gender-mixing without the government getting a piece of the action as well.
To a large extent, family impediments are impenetrable – and incomprehensible. Take the following examples:
The Dad Double Standard: It’s tough for a guy to get to know a girl in a healthy manner, and fathers of young girls prefer to keep it that way. As far as Dads are concerned, the only boys their daughters ought to speak with are ones that don’t exist. Think of it as the ‘Beti, get yourself an imaginary friend’ syndrome if you will.
Ironically, the rules don’t apply vice versa. If a father sees his virile son ‘hanging out’ with girls, it’s taken as a sign of how masculine his son is and seen as time to hand out cigars and buy the boy his first Kalashnikov.
Mom Protection Agency: Moms are terrific, but let no one be fooled: these women are hellbent on protecting their daughters’ ‘piety,’ even if it means hiring their a personalised Blackwater security detail to follow their girls around. Instructions are simple, ‘If you see a larka talk to her, shoot him’.
On the flip side, if a mother sees her sons associating with members of the opposite sex, she immediately assumes that the girl is trying to ‘trap’ him and orders in another private mercenary. What a world we live in.
Above and beyond the Dad Double Standard and Mom Protection Agency, youngsters who want to get to know each other a bit better will now have to contend with the Punjab Assembly.
On this point, I can fume, I can cry, or I can ridicule. I’ve decided to go with ridicule.
So let’s help our virtuous, morally sound, and socially conscious government out. What other inane acts of grandstanding can they indulge in to prevent the altering of societal tendencies among today’s youth?
They can start with the establishment of a new ministry for Aunties United in Napalming & Tormenting the Youth. The AUNTY Ministry will be responsible for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice amongst the youth. They will be committed to nation-building and progress by minimising any interaction between boys and girls, and they will promote virtue by…well, that’s in next year’s budget.
Here are some initiatives on the agenda of the AUNTY Ministry:
1. Shopping Malls Law: Women will only be allowed to visit shopping areas for certain hours of the day. The AUNTY Ministry can liberally whip (yes, they will be issued Made in China whips) the predominantly male shop owners at will … how dare they look at their customers during a good price haggling session. Men are recommended to launch a Pakistani version of E-Bay.
2. Face-to-Face Interactions Initiative: The solution is simple: don’t let women leave their homes – ever. Female parliamentarians can install webcams in the provincial and national assemblies and vote via G-chat. In fact, the AUNTY ministry will combine this initiative with their recommendation for a massive expansion of online colleges and classes. How dare young boys be in a situation where they might even smell a girl!?! The exposure may even drive youngsters into a frenzy, prompting them to place late-night calls without the benefits of a package discount.
3. Gaming Zones Restrictions: Currently, video game centres are man havens – girls just don’t play video games. However, in anticipation of the mehndi version of Dance Dance Revolution and Rock Band, the AUNTY Ministry recommends a ban on gaming for all women (this will apply in the early morning and afternoon as well as late at night). Oddly enough, this will be the one proclamation that neither sex will be too bothered with.
5. Ladies lunch laws: Close down all ‘family’ sections of restaurants and install video cameras that relay the footage of mixed-gender meals on the web, thereby allowing parents and the AUNTY ministry to track scandalous couples and punish them by lamenting how they have shamed the last 29 generations. I always enjoy a good show with my dinner.
The Big Idea: Today’s ‘youth’ don’t need paternalistic protectionist polices, though in our heart of hearts, we are honoured that our elected officials care – it’s so flattering, really. We’d greatly appreciate it, however, if they could focus their energies on prevalent issues such as load shedding, unemployment, and food prices. Ultimately, politicians are elected to govern, not to preach or parent, particularly when their own track record is so dicey. Pity the youth don’t vote … maybe we should?
Murtaza Ali Jafri is a Karachi-based banking professional. He believes in free markets and freedom, and wishes men could get more of the latter. Read his blog at www.Alphaza.blogspot.com.
The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
Of course pakistan facing hard time and crisis emerges like spiral they sitch one wound and not wait for an other wound this goes on and on … but Govt have to address all issues like multiproccesser do if they address this issure one should not outcry over it this is foremost duty of make humble environment for all segament of like this is article just vent some people well known approch towards isssues like this waste of time and energy as whole
I find this article an absolute thing to make the so called democratic Govt. realize the actual issues at hand. out of no where, they will find such stupid issues, just to frustrate the youth more. what else they are not doing to get this ‘frustrating’ job done already, by means of corruption, filthy politics, loot maar, creating law & order situation, no consideration on water & electricity shortages, price hike and all to name… may be the list never end of their countless bad things, done to this country and nation. our nation is so innocent and illiterate to make the right decision in elections, that every time. I definitely oppose the resolution and would like to leave a message for the nation and specially youth. Please do vote for the right in next elections, (I hope they are soon to take place, otherwise the evils of the present Govt. will not be handled before the next 50 years time is over). Again, Please use your vote power for the right… hope you all get my point.. as to eradicate the conventional 2 or 3 parties, who just take their turns…
Maybe it was time to blakcmail the mobile companies to get some money out of them!
I certainly agree with you Umar, no doubt, you never know, how evil these people (sitting in assemblies) could be…
For a country that’s been in the midst of a national crisis for its entire existence, I’m sure there are far more gripping issues that need to be pursued. Honestly, is there nothing else that interests Pakistani parliamentarians besides sex, hadood ordinance, so called ‘woman’s laws’ , you get the idea.
Technology, like anything else, can be used for good or bad purposes, depends on the user. For instance, my aged insomniac uncle in Pakistan has benefited from this package greatly because he can call me and my family for a small charge so its a good thing
This was a very well written article. I found the info to be shocking aswell as amusing on various levels. The border line is that the government will do anything and everything to take of attention from its back and what better way to do this than to create a frustrated youth.
I totally agree with the poster of this article, these people must give more attention solve the real issues our country is facing instead of wasting their time on this useless stuff.
I think they seem to be out of issues which can be discussed and found passing crap resolutions.
BTW the concerns must be the security situation, coping with robberies, crimes and on going corruption other then youngsters talking to each other.
Very good article. This is the same assembly, which passed resolution that they will not pay agriculture income tax, if levied by the Federal government. Then the Chief Minister says that this government and Taliban are in sync. What is happening to the legislature and administrative setup of this beloved province of ours.
I have found Pakistan to be a society of great contradiction and full of hypocrisy. There are greater things which are far more important that our useless administration needs to focus on — how about saving a collapsing state for e.g –.
All we Pakistanis know is how to talk talk talk and crib about every other person. We are so caught up in meaningless small talk. Travel around the world and you will never find such a messed up country where people have such a weird mindset.
Grow up people and learn to accept others.
I am happy that gov. in Pakistan is taking some good decisions. I don’t like the system there in Pakistan but we should appreciate if good things happen.
I lived in Pakistan for the first 18 years of my life and then I moved to USA. USA has reached the culminating point of freedom among the youth, which our youngster are considering glamorous and appropriate.
I believe that we ought to see the future of our society, if we were to embark on this course. As most of you know this freedom has brought many evils and extremely negative repercussion in the Western Society, which we ought to consider very seriously before we try to transform the piety in our Society.
It is perhaps only the top 0.25% of the population, which is aspiring for the Social transformation and FREEDOM, however, when you grow up and if you turn out to be a decent person, I am assuming that your perception will change.
Learn good things from other societies, and reject the bad. Bad things appear glamorous and easy to adopt, however, good things requires guts and wisdom. Why are we not trying to adopt the good work ethics of the West, hard work, perseverance and honesty which are also embedded in the Western Societies.
You cannot ban internet or stop youth entry to parks and restaurants to avoid any negative impacts on our youth. How to live life is ones own decision as long as they are educated about it.
I am lucky enough to have grown up in Lahore from mid 80s to mid 90s, wow what a time, development, festivals, culture just everything was at its peak and every next day was a day to look forward too.
I am glad to see that we are now taking things seriously and Inshallah in next elections we will make the right choice.
Ali
This blog was totally off the track. Why does everyone one feels to get so negative. Alright maybe its not the best time to have such discussions when we have a threat of existence but lets appreciate if any good has happened.
I believe in freedom but it needs to have its limit. Today parents are busy enough to make both ends meet so if the govt is willing to provide some tools/rules so the future generation can be kept under some control then I dont see any harm in that.
Please for once appreciate some good efforts.
In terms of having limits on freedom, young people should be taught self control and self respect, not have it thrust on them by some “adult” agency. I certainly do not require government interference in how I communicate and who I communicate with. I am an adult, I can make my own decisions, and I am certainly willing to be responsible for those decisions.
Today’s parents are, I agree, quite busy. However, I do not believe they are too busy to do their most fundamental job of all, i.e. to parent!
I would most certainly appreciate “some good efforts”, but they have to make sense. One might begin by building stable power stations, investment in infrastructure etc-
and forget about the fictional rivalry with India. A neighbouring country is a potential for economic growth-pity most of the people don’t get that.
Thank you god for some voice of reason.
In our country, freedom is a word that only means being free of the rule of foreign powers, but to its core, the word freedom is more individualistic than nationalistic. We have forgotten that providing freedom of speech, thought, writing, etc is the main duty of the government, not to stifle it. So what that our youth might make a call at night. And hell, so what if they talk to youth of opposite sex. This nation has much much bigger fish to fry.
You think stopping this will make the nation any stronger? No! Teaching your youth to make the correct decision without parental supervision instills in them from a young age th ability to make smart choices, to say no to the wrong and yes to the right. How can you expect them to have any capacity of decision making at 25 when till 24 you dont make them make any decisions at all?
Maybe if we allow our youth to ‘get some practice’ of making decisions, they wouldnt turn out to be like the cheats and the liars.
I visited Pakistan couple of years back and what I have seen and heard I don’t believe this is same Pakistan I left 16 years ago. Blaming youth for using phone at night is like having all king of sweets in house and expecting little kids will not eat. Country needs education. I am not talking only school education. Education regarding everything they have or they want. Just don’t kill the messenger fix problem, educate people with reason tell them why they should use or not use.
It is very prudent to interfere with the communication between sexes by imposing limitation on cheap calls at night.
I am sorry you had to bring the army into this which you probably did to give weight to your point of view, which was irrelevant and unnecessary.They play a different and necessary ball game.But otherwise your views were OK. Increasing rates is not going reduce calls by much ,but it will certainly add profits to the cell phone companies.They must be smiling at this idea of the Punjab government.
The fact that Punjab Assembly was discussing about banning late night cell phones packages, I am quiet sure that the politicians are really no longer connected to the masses. Or maybe it was a home issue of a minister that spilled in to the assembly session
Haha, good one!
We should use the “pigeons”, they are cheap & their credits never run out.
A very True story of Our society, and i appreciate at least their is some one who availed the opportunity the unveil this ritual of our society.
And i am an effected one of this SCHOOL OF THOUGHT
Parents are of the view that their Son having all sort of Girl Friends, and all sort a enjoyment is a good son if in the end he marries according the will & wish of parents.
But a son who is not into Girls and ask parents to marry a specific girl is the worst of all siblings.
This is an example of of all the scenario in the Article of Mr. Muratza.
And These Night packages should not be taken only in this respect. Because its out society which has made girls & guys to talk in hide.
The majority of the comments are pretty depressing to be honest. The ban is yet another shortcut made in a society that’s not patient enough to see through actual, sustainable CHANGE. If you ban late night calls, kids will either simply end up paying more and talking the same amount of time, OR switching over to Internet/Skype. So do we ban those too?
The change must be at a level where kids just KNOW BETTER. That includes better parenting, better role models, better education. Unless you address these core issues, trying to take shortcuts through these asinine laws will never, never work in the long-term.
You are trying to get away with this in the total anarchy that prevails, not so fast!!
WOW!!! This is interesting; the government has let go of all other national and international issues and has begun to focus on how communication between the opposite sexes will affect the future?? Are u kidding me???? Look at all this replies to this blog: those who support the law, I pose only one question, which is : Don’t you all feel that the government has much more to address rather than dictating lives of common citizens regarding cell phone usage? I suggest that the government should worry less about the far future and worry more about the immediate situations at hand: unemployment, electricity shortage, bombings, the lack of security and the likes. Only if they address these issues, can there be a “far future” for this country. However, i know my input will just fuel questions and how the future depends upon the youth. Don’t worry about the youth, it will find its way and if you restrict it, then it wont blossom into what ever image you have of it!
Cudnt have said it better myself!!! =)
Honestly, I think there is a lack of morally debased people in Pakistan. We should encourage it. The moral police has brought us to the brink of disaster, maybe the morally debased can lift us out. They seem to be the only voice of rationality in our country. How about introducing some cheap 1 900 numbers.
Ghazi Ali Khan you say “we do not want our women to get moral low ground”. Please elaborate what you mean by it. How will your women get on moral low ground by talking on the mobile phones. It is for the women to decide, not their brothers.
I believe the ban on these late night packages must be done as they play a big role in corrupting the youth. Society my friend does corrupt the youth but what corrupts society?? This is one of the main issues that ruin the lives of young children.
1) staying up all night finishes their strength to pay attention in school due to lack of sleep
2) a young child up all night using such a facility is for sure upto no good as no sane person is up all night answering calls.
This issue that the assembly has put forward is an issue a truly stand by as we pakistani’s have the habit of tackling problems that have already caused disaster rather than tackling the root cause!
yes safety, security, power and so on are majer issues we are facing today, but those issues my friend are not ruiniing our morals or our society!….fixing economic issues does not improve or stabalize our morals!
Some of u would rather worry about the loss telecommunication companies will face with this ban instead of worrying or even taking time out to think about the amount of damage its putting onto your youth which is the future of Pakistan!!
only people that care about this country would understand the depth of this issue, others worried about the telecommunications company in my words are either well of materialistic Pakistanis or those who are getting their proper satisfaction from these late night packages.
If many of u think power, gas, security and so on are the only issues then stand up and fight for them! even in those topics people like you stand up and argue!
Just want to point out morals or morale less society, problems like load shedding and inflation have to be controlled first and foremost.
people in west where we easterners believe that no morality exists, end up getting all the awards and prizes, they win intellectually, academically and in extra curricular activities as well, and have the basic necessities of life.
Government will achieve nothing in banning these facilities given to public. In fact I think government will be able to extract more tax revenue from it,
because if government cared so much about morality it would ban cigarette and have shop keepers do ID checks before selling those cancer sticks.
Good reply
What a country we live in.It’s rather hilarious to find out the happenings and the kind of resolutions that are being generated in our legislative assemblies.The other day a female MP of Punjab Assembly stood up and declared that she was giving permission to all the husbands for a second marriage.It reminds me of my hostel days when an order was passed by the Principal that wearing Jeans and joggers are not allowed.
I believe that we as a nation are in habit of involving ourselves into non-issues.
For the free night calls,I certainly feel that Parenting is important and the parents have to teach the kids as to what is allowed and what is not allowed.We are living in a free and open world and our politicians are simply trying to involve themselves in issues which actually SELL in the market .
We needs bills for important issues..things that need to be addressed immediately, matters that have been unresolved for ages and still remain unsettled.How about passing a bill on Land reforms in Punjab and Sindh.How about passing a bill on no protocol for the parliamentarians. how about passing a bill that politicians won’t send lists of people they want to get inducted in government jobs.
We live in a free world and it’s a free society..
There is no such thing as absolute freedom. Why don’t we allow smoking and drugs also in the name of free world and free society? Why don’t we allow unregulated/uncensored entertainment in the name of free society?
I fully agree that there are pressing things but the values we need to espouse and cultivate in our youth can not be relegated to some “more” opportune time.
Excellent idea…it is the parents job to teach their kids right from wrong NOT the governments…whats next?
the government to ban beef because it leads to heart attacks…or how about banning the internet cause you can find “Less than Moral” content on it…
Maybe the youth should be put in government run institutions where they can be taught proper moral action…except who defines what proper moral action is?
Awesome !!
Anyone has any idea how ridiculous this ban or even thinking about such thing, at the provincial level, is .
I am very disappointed to read some comments here. I thought people would be maturing and realizing the more important factors that should be focused on.
I totally agree with the ban on late night cheap phone calls… we do not want our women to get a moral low ground and hence this ban is absolutely just right and moral… good job for once politicians…
What do you mean ‘your women’? Do you presume to own them?
Also I can’t actually believe this is an issue. It’s a late night package. So what? is it worth being taken into parliament? it’s ironic how the maximum amount of censorship and imprisonment is actually generated by the people.
After some time, govt will start to discuss and ban the mid night deals offered by fast food restaurants as this making our youth obese and taking them away from traditional home cooked meals and creating distance between the child and their families…then later govt will also take action against summer or winter sale discounts offered by some very good international brands because its destroying our local market and it can go on and on and on….
First of all, we have nothing to do with OTHERS business and what they do. The only reason for promoting these late night packages is to do the business and utilise those hours where they can make money by utilising those hours. same is the case with our national telecom company PTCL, now even they are offering so many packages and free hours just to make money so why dont we ban them as well?
shame on you all supporing this stupid law…For them its marketing and promotion and its their business, if we dont have control over our generation/children/siblings/daughters then we should not blame this lacking/weakness of ours on others. Its basically the part of FAMILY ETHICS that you grow up with and if they are not strong enough then its ONLY OUR FAULT
Disturbing to hear such laws that will restrict communication.
I have lived in the UK but frankly I have not come across any “night packages” per se. Don’t know about the US but i doubt they exist. The dynamics of western societies and Pakistani society are widely disparate and I do agree that such limited telephonic contact in the thick of the night does lead on to frustration. Being sexually frustrated is endemic with youth but just talking on the phone to vent off barely benefits it merely adds on to the frustration. So either let the youth go all the way freely as happens in the west or control the factors which lead the youth on to greater problems.
Admittedly the older generation is not a bastion of morality however the level of sexual perversion that is witnessed nowadays among youth is much higher than what was witnessed before. Like I said if anyone knows of these so called “late night packages” in the western world kindly share your thoughts for as far as I can tell, there are none!!
Here in America almost every cell phone company offering unlimited calls and text 24/7. I am paying $40 for unlimited calls, Text and internet 24/7.
Well in Canada all cellphone local calls are free after 6pm till 6 or 7 am
And our text messages are usually free if we pay a fixed amount of $5 or $10 amount we get thousand or something text messages free all day anytime.
First off, I think trying to pass legislation such as this is purely a way to gain votes and distract the public. There are certainly more pressing issues.
Secondly, I don’t understand the individuals who agree to such legislation. Save the youth, sure. But that’s a parent’s responsibility. If you can’t control your kid, you expect the government to step in and do it for you?
And what about all the adults who use these late night packages?
Banning them is a ridiculous idea.
Late night call ban is only diverting the attention of the public. Frustration might cause the youth to take some inappropriate steps in order to bridge the gap between them and their so-called loved ones.Well-written article.
I live in Canada and telecommunication is very expensive here. Why it is so cheap in Pakistan?
Looking from the outside in, (being a non resident Pakistani), I think this article is generating more misconception among the people that are abroad and reading this. I have read many posts from foreigners from India, US, etc. who have read this article and are looking at it as if this is how the whole of Pakistan is. They already have a negative perception about Pakistan and one can not easily distinguish the satire in this article.
For example the line about dad’s giving cigars and AK-47 to their sons. That is suppose to be taken in sarcasm, highlighting the unrestricted and unconditional privileges given to sons. Yet in the minds of the foreigners, they take it in a different sense. They already think of us Pakistanis as violent nation and think that each house in Pakistan is loaded with deadly weapons etc. The whole article is just bizarre and is creating more harm than any good.
I agree with the ban. Go for it!
Its just non sense, these mobile companies don’t force you to use late night packages or make calls, everybody has to decide for themselves that whats right and whats wrong, more than mobile companies its the responsibility of parents and elders to look after their children and teach them what to do, parents should refrain from giving mobile phone to their kids in early age. if banning packages is the only solution, than cable TV, internet should also be banned at night, because students and youth waste their time watching TV and surfing internet, this idea of banning late night packages is just a childish act.
The article is good and well written and makes you laugh too. But if you view the matter analytically, it is a matter of concern if not as big as load shedding, prices and other problems that the writer has pointed out, it does has its place in the long list of issues that we as a nation face.
Generally this move, by the legislators in Punjab Assembly, has received a lot of criticism from the youth. That was quite natural because it was largely seen as a move by the elders to control us and undermine our freedom. Lets not all get carried away by considering it yet another tactic by the elders to boss us around. Had this issue been raised in some youth tv show or on some youth forum it won’t have received such a bitter criticism from the youth.
If these legislators are so much concerned about saving the “future of Pakistan” they should empower them and instead of imposing things should engage the youth before passing any legislation related to them. It felt as if the MPA who moved this resolution in the assembly either wanted some cheap popularity or was unhappy with her own children using the late night packages.
Its not at all bad to raise matters of social nature in the law making bodies but our law makers should engage youth if they are seriously concerned bout them. I really liked the last line of your article Murtaza “Pity the youth don’t vote … maybe we should?”
The youth should believe in the power of their vote because that’s the only democratic way to bring change.
I’ve 1st hand knowledge that, even Western seniors say that they’ve sabotaged their family structure due to too much freedom to youngsters, especially girls. They say that when their ladies got financial freedom and government’s support to live independently, they stopped listening to their male caretakers and even left their homes.
Do we need to be 60 years old to understand what they’ve learnt in 60 yrs? wise people learn from others mistakes.
I appreciate the resolve of Punjab Parliamentarians and wish they take more of such initiatives. It is there responsibility to guide the society, if they understand. lets guide our youngsters properly according to Quranic teachings and do not provide them opportunities to go astray.
Men have been assigned to take care of women in all possible ways, as they’re unable to understand many situations properly and go after apparently beautiful things or fantasize. this doesn’t mean to stop them from any productive activity in business or job circle.
I don’t agree with most of things the writer has conveyed through this article.
he seems to be an enthusiastic youngster; needs to get mature to realities and know the facts.
I don’t understand what are the merits of late night call packages except for indulging in cheap over the phone. I mean what would a guy want to say to some one after 12 in the night? I really liked the dress you were wearing today? You were looking cute today? Come on!
As for the mobile phone companies, if they really want to benefit the people at large why not introduce those economical packages in the day time. The truth is that these packages are the bread and butter of these companies and they want to increase their profit margins no matter what the cost.
Awesome!
I agree with the ban……I have seen my friends getting failed just because they talk all night…….
These companies are money oriented….they don’t care if anyone is hurting as long as they are making money.
I also agree that there are more serious issues than this but anything affecting youth is as important as anything else.
Can anyone give me a logical reason why there are late night packages anyway?
Love the logic, lets blame phone companies for your friends bad grades. Typical Pakistani logic, love to blame the world except for ones self. Oh and which companies are not money orientated? This ban is just another reason for the world to laugh at us. Well done Pakistan you make us proud.
They are there so the companies can make money, when otherwise lines are free.
It about time someone did something about the lack of morals and behavior that seems to be rife in our society. So what if the government wants to introduce this bill.
The youth always think in their most immature years that they are the most mature people and are educated and can make the right decision.
How does talking long hours when its actually the time to sleep so important and acting mature? Why cant you talk when its a day time. Its not because its expensive…but because during day you have mum and dad awake…
For once..a good step by Govt to protect morality of the youth…and their useful bedtime.
Discouraging communication between young people. Imposing limitation on contacts will promote social frustration in the younger generation. Men & women are complementary by nature. Gender contact is essential to boost self confidence, personal grooming and other such trait in young people. Nights tariff is cheeper and young people could afford it better then day time tariff. Sexes have to learn to regulates their activities without the parental authority at all stages from birth to marriage if society is to progress.
Love it, this is awesome.
I don’t think the government’s PR department did a good job of explaining why this would help. When framed in this manner it just seems silly. There is no logic behind it other than score some points with older parental voters that probably like the idea of minimizing inter-sex interactions. It’s a parents issue, not the governments.
@ Zain: I’ve lived in the US as well, and as far as I can tell, other than diaspora communities that transplant their own traditional values, they seem pretty happy with letting the genders mix.
@ Asif: please explain how late night cell phone packages are hurting our productivity, after all, don’t we still have traditional phones, the internet, skype, messenger etc. I frankly think it’s a little insulting just because ads are focused at a particular segment that the group needs to be protected. Lets protect children from candy by increasing prices so they can’t afford it. The sugar makes them fat and the sugar high makes them unproductive and more prone to indiscipline.
Hahaha, that is funny.
Well said Syed & fully agree.
Don’t agree to this article at all. I am not a fan of this government but looks like they are at least doing something appreciable. This ban is inline with a similar “informal* ban on some cafés during former government’s rule. One who likes freedom as in western countries, he can go a live there. No one is stopping him/her. The gist of it is that freedom is important but should not come at the cost of ruined social & moral values. I can go on and logically negate each of author’s assertions but history taught me not to waste my time on this.
Regards,
As far as the ban on late night call packages is concerned, I completely agree with it and would suggest to ban these late night call packages all over the country.
Brilliant article! It’s one of the most ridiculous laws I’ve ever heard. The government isn’t worried about Education or even the media, no… ban late night packages. It’s a slap to freedom of expression, freedom of existence and freedom of marketing. I am appalled. Maybe if they can actually stop covering their behinds and really take notice of the things that can improve the youth (education, jobs, health) we might see a change. But I don’t see that happening anytime soon.
Mr.Jafri ,
You can change the name from Pakistan to India also. Moms and Dads and Aunts and uncles are same!