The undiscussed Pakistan
An insight to the photographic book, Historic Temples of Pakistan: a Call to Conscience by journalist turned author, Reema Abbasi.
Reshma Trilochun
When one thinks of Pakistan, many images and thoughts come to mind, such as the 1947 partition from India to the recent attack on vulnerable children at a school in Peshawar; but rarely would one associate temples with Pakistan. With the book, Historic Temples of Pakistan: a Call to Conscience, Reema Abbasi takes us back in time to explore the Pakistan that may seem alien to us; the Pakistan that the West is surely unaware about.
Reema Abbasi has worked as a journalist for about 17 years and is spiritual by nature. She has had a very geographical journey, in terms of education. She was born in the Netherlands, went to school in England and then continued her higher education at a college in Karachi. She is accustomed to the different religions of the world, having the crucifix, Quran verses as well as a Sai Baba idol at home.
Pakistan has been a land of turmoil for some time, with many of its people feeling unsafe even in the confine of their homes. Abbasi's book doesn't overshadow the gruesome reality of current Pakistan by sugar-coating or concealing the reality; rather, she puts across a documented truth of the rich history Pakistan held and to some extent still holds on to, even though it remains to constantly be under threat. In Reema Abbasi's own words from the introduction of her book, “This book concentrates on Pakistan’s fraying social order and the sad prospect of it bringing about its own destruction by documenting Hindu places of worship, major festivals, prominent orders of priesthood…”.
The book showcases many regions of Pakistan, such as Punjab, Karachi, Indus River Valley, Thar Desert as well as dangerous locales, Khyber Pakhtunkhwan and the Afghanistan border.
There have been many incidents in the past that have depicted the unity between Hindus and Muslims in Pakistan. One example being an idol in Umerkot, Balochistan, which is honoured by both Hindus and Muslims. Umerkot was the birthplace of Emperor Akbar, therefore, becoming a symbolism of unity of the shrine of Hindu God Shiva and an important part of Mughal history. It is said that many Muslims visit this shrine for healing purposes or to ask God to bless them with a child.
There have been plenty more such instances documented in Reema Abbasi's book with the help of Madiha Aijaz's photography, which gives us a further insight to the breathtaking sights and scenarios. Another fascinating instance in the book is the photograph of skull-capped Muslim Men worshipping Hindu Goddess Kali, in the Kalka cave. The Kalka cave is situated in Sindh and is popular among Hindus, Muslims and Christians from all over Pakistan.
The book may aid in building, if not mending the strain relationship between the minorities, such as Hindus and Christians with Muslims in Pakistan, while also giving the world an insight to a Pakistan that is not shown in the news channels. The book unveils a diverse Pakistan and gives us hope for further unity in the current day; unity being possible in the past and made very evident in the book, then surely it can be achieved and is being achieved by many in current Pakistan.
Reema Abbasi also received an award at the 5th Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Awards for best literary personality of the year. The award took place in India and was organised by a non governmental organisation called Pehchaan and was attended by many people. The book has been received very well and it also shows the dedication and hard work of Abbasi's efforts, proving to add another feather in her cap.
photos: Kali Temple in Pakistan
Reema Abbasi with her book Historic Temples of Pakistan
