THE MAN WITH A MESSAGE

I often found myself amidst the commotion of Liberty Market – an apt representation of Pakistan. The Market is an absurd composition of traffic-laden roads, beggars, fakirs, buskers, upper-class women purchasing high-end clothes from designer outlets, the lewd men shamelessly ogling them, colorful fabrics displayed in open-air markets and opulent restaurants with pretentious French names. Amidst the cauldron of this peculiar diversity, I often encountered a treat for sore eyes.

A determined, old man sat peacefully protesting in the chaotic Liberty Market roundabout. Ikram-ul-Haque had experienced the war of independence firsthand while honing a strong sense of love for his motherland. He visited the same location, often multiple times a week, merely holding a thought-provoking poster stating, “We want Jinnah’s Pakistan again.” (Jinnah – the founder of Pakistan).

The simple words with a powerful message often forced me to reminisce over the tales of sufferings, longings, and colossal losses that eventually founded Pakistan. Haque recently passed away, and I still foolishly hope to see him, his poster, and his determined smile, every time I pass by the Liberty Market. Perhaps, there should have been a peepal tree shading him against the raging sun or a cathedral of lights constructed around him so that his message blazed as bright.

The Liberty roundabout is often the site of peaceful protests, gatherings, and vigils. I wonder if urban installations would complement a powerful message, encourage people to rise, and accommodate their voice. Haque’s voice still echoes softly in my ears. The old man with a message is undeniably a lost jewel in the crown of Pakistan.