The town of Hangu in the North Western Frontier Province (NWFP) was “shutter-down” on last day as Eid Miladun Nabi was celebrated by the local Muslim population. Why was the city dead? Because someone had started firing weapons in the streets to prevent the local Irani-origin community from observing Nauruz, an ancient Iranian festival that is a part of their culture in the Tribal Areas.

This year Eid Miladun Nabi coincided with Christian Good Friday, Hindu Holi and Parsi Nauruz (Other Irani also celebrate this ancient festival). As the media carried messages of goodwill to the minority communities, the bigots of Hangu maintained their old tradition of attacking this community on the occasion of Nauruz. This is a consequence of the decline of Pakistani culture under the spur of a narrow-minded faith. Those who wish to destroy Pakistani culture are armed and use violence. They also use religion to strengthen their cause. Standing up to them is the war that Pakistan will have to fight if it wants to survive.