This weekend has been an incredible cultural experience...and shocking tooo.

Friday night we attended a drama production hosted by AKU's drama team, which was mostly comprised of students from the medical college. It was actually a two day show, with dramas in both English and Urdu. Since I was busy with other commitments, I was only able to see the last play on friday night. The main theme of this play highlighted the vulnerability of young minds to 'extremist' way of life. The take away message was: use your ability to think and interpret ideas, concepts and situations. Take in what is good and leave what is bad. Listen to others, but do not be easily misguided or influenced without exploring all realms of thought.

However, during the play, three men walked off while passing comments in anger. I am assuming they became offended by the contents of the play. I assumed right. They had come back when the play was over and demanded to speak to the director of the play and to the faculty staff. They were asked to go outside so the Dean could speak to them properly but the rest of the students followed because everyone wanted to get involved. Some people are automatically attracted to large crowds of people, mainly due to curiosity. In my opinion, I think it is a good idea to address concerns in a supportive environment where young individuals can express their opinions and be truly listened to instead of being preached at. For our own personal and intellectual growth, we need an environment where we are encouraged to explore all points of view. That is why I think it was a good thing that this altercation happened in the AKU campus grounds instead of outside, where there is a presence of a moderator and staff that are not judgemental. I am sure I do not need to remind you about the situation in Pakistan with regards to Mullahs and so called Pirs that feed on vulnerable young minds to further their agendas. With these people, the idea of open discussion and dialogue is not an option.

Last night I attended my first rock concert and surprisingly in Karachi. Let me tell you this, once you try headbanging, you cannot stop! I never had this much fun, not even in Canada! But what surprised me the most about last night's and friday night's scene was this open environment. Men and women, boys and girls were sitting together in the same area. No one was divided, everyone was conversing with each other. At the rock concert, guys and girls were head banging and jumping together. It didn't matter whether you were in a burkha, a dupta or had your hair exposed. At the play, guys and girls were sitting together as well..there was no division. There were guys and girls whistling, hollering, and passing comments. For two days, I literally forgot I was in Karachi.

I had preconceived notions as to what Karachi would be like based on the media, people's comments and past experiences. I can honestly say that I came in with a narrow-minded attitude as to how the people would be like and how I would be treated as. Sure I have found that some things will never change and neither will people but Karachi is no longer the same city I left 21 years ago. No doubt some situations have gotten worse but there have been improvements. There are a lot of people here who are open-minded and friendly. Who will not believe and do what they are told without being skeptical yet compassionate. There is always hope and God's grace is ever abundant.