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Being a vegetarian in Pakistan

Being a vegetarian in Pakistan

When I tell people that my moral compass does not allow me to eat meat, they feel it is their duty to reason with me.
Updated 06 Oct, 2015

When I gave up meat, four years ago, my family and friends were convinced that I would revert to the oh-so-juicy goodness of animal protein the very next day.

But, as time passed and they realised that I was serious about it, the deliberations started, with an intent to bring me back to ‘sanity’. I was open to discussions, but I had given it a lot of thought over the years, so it wasn't something I was just going to snap out of. It wasn't a fad, it wasn't a phase, and it certainly wasn't a ploy to lose weight.

After a while, people close to me gave up on convincing me otherwise and started respecting my decision, even accommodating me with good vegetarian cuisine when possible. But, out in the larger society, the responses were varied and ranged from bemused to utterly shocked.

The social nuisance

When I go out to a dinner where people are not yet aware of my vegetarian diet, and decline the offer of a meat-based dish, people almost always respond with, “Take a little bit at least” or “At least give it a try”. Their first reaction is that I am a little snobbish about food, or that I have had some bad experiences with meat dishes and that their food would change my opinion, if only I tried.

After reiterating that I have given up meat and don't eat it at all, quite a few folks go on to suggest a chicken-based item. This, I guess, is because they assume I have been medically advised to give up red meat.

When I clarify again that I don't eat any kind of meat, most people just go blank. And I kid you not, some still counter-offer and ask if I would like to try some seafood instead?

Better yet, when there's some kind of a meat-curry, many suggest that the gravy should still be fair game.

It is only after they have exhausted all their efforts, do people dishearteningly allow me to feast on the usually lone vegetable dish they had not expected anyone to indulge in. Large public gatherings like wedding ceremonies are especially hard to negotiate because most of our society considers it below themselves to include any vegetarian dishes in the menu – "loag kya kahenge ke kitney cheap hain (people would think we are so poor)."

Once the matter of what I will eat is settled, they are suddenly hit with a pang of curiosity and start inquiring about the reason for my vegetarian diet. Most people automatically assume it to be a medical reason and ask only to validate their assertion. When I deny, their curiosity multiplies and they push further with a desire partially to inquire, and partially to convince me otherwise.

When I tell them that my personal moral compass does not allow me to, they feel it's their duty to reason with me. It isn't unusual for the discussion to turn into a heated argument, so I had to train myself to politely back out of it or steer the conversation to a different topic.

These discussions become extra sensitive when people bring religion into them or start throwing labels like 'ungrateful'.


After a few of these conversations, I realised that the issue makes people touchy and insecure because my defending a personal belief and choice makes them feel like their own beliefs are being threatened.


I have learned my lesson though, and unless I am dead sure the person at the other end of the conversation is on the same wavelength as I am, I rarely encourage the discussion. On occasions when I was too tired to argue, I even lied, admitting to it being a medical reason.

I can't say people have been condescending or judgmental, but I can see the nods of disagreements almost everywhere the topic is discussed. In countries like the US where people are more used to vegetarians, I don’t raise many eyebrows (but they do get shocked sometimes when I reveal I am not an Indian and this is not a religious thing).

Is it easy being a vegetarian in Pakistan?

Even though it's more of a social nuisance to be a vegetarian in Pakistan, I prefer the food scene here because of the breadth of vegetables you can get and the delicious ways they are cooked. I can eat chapatti and sabzi every day. In both places though, if you are eating out, most of the non-meat choices are full of staples or grains and not exactly vegetables, which makes it a tad harder to eat healthy.

People often ask me if I still crave meat, and honestly, there are times when I crave meat, a lot. No matter how strong-willed you are, when the aroma of a well-cooked chicken tikka, badami qorma or a juicy mushroom swiss burger tantalises you, it's very hard to ignore.

But just like we control a lot of our other desires that contradict our ideologies, this one also becomes a hard-but-necessary act of self-restraint. The craving becomes much less frequent as time passes. There are some soy-based proteins available that taste just like meat but I usually avoid them because of the large amount of preservatives and artificial ingredients in them.

Another question I am always bombarded with is whether I would eat meat for my survival; for example, let's say I am trapped in a jungle and it is the only thing available to me. My answer is always a resounding "Yes". Just like everything else I choose, my choice of what to eat should also have a degree of flexibility. In fact, there have already been a couple of occasions when I was really hungry and not so well, and had to eat meat because nothing else was available.

Did I like doing that? No. But I understand the importance of eating meat over starving on these rare occasions.

Also read: Why is India called a vegetarian country when two-thirds of Indians eat meat?

I am usually also asked about how I feel or what difference it has made in my life. To be honest, it feels amazing. I don't feel heavy after a meal, I don't crash a few minutes after a meal, and yes, it did make a tremendous difference in turning me into a calmer person.

Moreover, if I keep a good vegetarian diet (lots of vegetables) as opposed to an unhealthy vegetarian diet (lots of grains/staples), I also get a large amount of really important micro-nutrients that help a human body in healing itself. I have, over these last few years, fallen less sick with day-to-day ailments than when I was not a vegetarian.

I should clarify that my purpose here is not to convince anybody to become a vegetarian. Eating meat or giving it up, are both completely personal choices that each of us should make independently. All I am saying is, I made mine and expect people to respect it.


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Comments

Imran Oct 06, 2015 01:30pm
Nice article. I can't ever think of being a vegetarian but respect who make this choice. If I could add more vegies to my diet, I certainly would but who likes to do it anyway!
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Babu Oct 06, 2015 01:39pm
Great choice! Opens you up to a wonderful world of vegetarian cuisine with so many choices. Not to mention the satisfaction of living without harming animals to satisfy ones cravings.
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Ronak Oct 06, 2015 01:39pm
Superb article
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DEEPAK Oct 06, 2015 01:43pm
being vegetarian like me, start doing Dhyan Yoga. Sit on a cool calm place and focus on your breath for some tiem , in start it is difficult, but, as time passes by you will become master in this. then one day Write on that experience as well. I am more then sure you will be feeling like coolest and calmest person in this world.
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gogo Oct 06, 2015 01:44pm
As a born vegetarian I have never faced any shortage of choice as in India if I choose to eat a different vegetarian dish each day I can eat it without repeating any dish for a year. All delicious.
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jawad Oct 06, 2015 01:44pm
I can not even imagine not eating meat. i can not live without meat and i hate veggies
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Padmakar Oct 06, 2015 01:45pm
Out of compassion I too gave up meat eating. I thought it morally incorrect to take someone else life.
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nelson goa india Oct 06, 2015 01:45pm
I once thought the same how could i possibly live without meat, until i went to rajastan and gujarat stayed there for 3 months , with the kind of vegetarian dishes i feasted on, i thing i can be a vegetarian if i had to permanently shift to these places
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Ronak Oct 06, 2015 01:47pm
It happenes exactly reverse in our gujarat. People will be shocked to know that you are non vegitarian. Compassion over killing. I strongly agree with you author. Keep it up
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Srinivas Oct 06, 2015 01:48pm
Nice one....I am in the same boat as you but I am traditionally from a veggie background. I started eating meat but then stopped after few years....ppl still ask me why I stopped and I have the same exact moral compass reason for that. On very rare occasions, I still feel overwhelmed to eat but managed to stay sober :). I had to eat on couple of occasions due to non availability of veggie option and it was business dinner but for last 9 years...I have managed to stay without meat. However it is really credible thing being from Pakistan where it must be a really tough to take such a decision.
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josh Oct 06, 2015 01:57pm
Am curious..Why did you turn vegetarian? I am a vegetarian myself and I will perhaps starve to death than eat non veg.
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Niharika Oct 06, 2015 02:00pm
Great. Very well said. I am a vegetarian, not because my religion prescribes so but by choice. I am wondering, in India also , if I am with my non-vegetarian friends , and a discussion about my vegetarianism crops up, it would be so similar and my responses just like yours. :) Can totally relate
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LOGICAL Oct 06, 2015 02:11pm
Nice article . Agree it is a personal choice and one should respect , though at times it is difficult but with little imagination one can survive Also eating Vegetables is better than grain and staple fibre and one should avoid deep fried things . Vegetarian is a way of life , it is healthy and also help in reducing carbon foot print and in overall calculation cheaper not only on once pocket but also on mother nature and also world at large
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Khem Oct 06, 2015 02:17pm
This story is very similar to mine story as I gave up all type of non-veg when I was 16. Now I am 32 and it feels like writer is writing my story. I belong to a northern Indian hilly state of Himachal Pradesh. We have ancient rituals of animal sacrifices. On various occasions goats, sheep, lambs etc. being sacrificed. Accidently, one day I saw the ritual and I felt the pain of a goat which was sacrificed. With in a second I thought it is not a good idea to eat meat as we have so many natural things available to eat. I can feel the pain of the story teller here. But our society is not that critical towards vegetarians as may be in Pakistan? Most of hilly people's do eat meat to survive the cold hard weather conditions. Every one at my home eat meat except me and my younger brother. Sometimes I too crave to eat but somehow I manage my emotions. Since then I have put more weight by eating cheese, Ghee, Butter etc. Even I don't eat eggs as well. Don't know about the writer.
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Logic Speaks Oct 06, 2015 02:23pm
Nice article simple & effective.
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baba Oct 06, 2015 02:25pm
It is very difficult to find pure vegetarian restaurants in Pakistan. Also while travelling in bus, train or even plane, many vegetarian have to observe fast rather than being offered food which they can not trust on whether they were made with hygine and in separate kitchen.
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baba Oct 06, 2015 02:27pm
I am by birth vegetarian and will remain till death. Being vegetarian is a proud as I don't kill animals for my food. Mahatma Gandhi once said that the nonviolence starts from the being vegetarian. A person can not become fully non-violent if he kill animals for any reason.
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Ajay Oct 06, 2015 02:34pm
I am from Punjab, India and pure vegetarian and people ask me,' Yaar kesse Punjabi ho tum, murga nahi khatein'.
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Khem Oct 06, 2015 02:39pm
@DEEPAK You will never understand the pain of the writer as he is not a born vegetarian like you.
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NIRAJ CHAWHAN Oct 06, 2015 02:45pm
I was almost like a Chinese in eating various types of meat, which I loved too. But same like auther four years before I left non-veg food. My brother got a road accident, while carrying him to hospital my hand was full of his blood. Unfortunately he died because lot of blood was flown out of his body. Knowing the importance of blood I couldn't gather courage to eat meat. So it was my moral compass. I never regret my decision.
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Satish Kumar Dogra Oct 06, 2015 02:46pm
In our Hindu philosophy vegetarian food is saattvik ie it produces good thoughts and keeps the mind calm, while non-vegetarian food is taamasik i.e. it produces excitement, conflicts within the mind and confuses thinking.
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SAEED PK Oct 06, 2015 02:51pm
In Pakistan there is no purely vege restaurant, all having variety of meat dishes and few vege. At restaurant when someone ask for vegetable dish it looks that he is a poor person having no money in his pocket that's why he is eating vegetables. Even children at home does not like to eat vegetable dishes, instead of it they prefer to eat eggs, if meat not available.
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dudenator Oct 06, 2015 02:55pm
"I am usually also asked about how I feel or what difference it has made in my life. To be honest, it feels amazing. I don't feel heavy after a meal, I don't crash a few minutes after a meal, and yes, it did make a tremendous difference in turning me into a calmer person." The above lines from the author are so right. I had the same feeling when i reverted back to vegetarianism after flirting with meat for a decade of my life. Since then I have never looked back and feel more energetic and even younger!!!
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Gaurav Arya Oct 06, 2015 02:56pm
I love my meat, but I relish vegetarian food as well. Many Hindus don't eat meat because they feel that they should not harm any living thing for their own enjoyment. But I have no such qualms. I am okay about harming animals for food. Yesterday night I had mutton biryani and chicken masala for dinner.
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Parvez Oct 06, 2015 02:59pm
It would have been nice if you had explained what made you change.
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Dr Killjoy Oct 06, 2015 03:01pm
You could very easily and happily be a vegetarian without implying those who choose to eat meat are somehow morally inferior to you because their "moral compass" doesn't point them to the nearest table of daal and sabzi. Being an omnivore is fine until someone comes along with a holier-than-thou attitude.
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obivankanobi Oct 06, 2015 03:08pm
Great way to go. The concept of vegetarianism or being vegan is catching up in the West as peoples awareness of how animals are butchered is becoming common knowledge.
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bkt Oct 06, 2015 03:13pm
The writer is clearly ignorant of the tens of thousands of people who have been taken off meat diets by their doctors. I used to wonder why anybody in their right mind would that sacreligeous dish -- Chicken Nihari -- and discovered it is thanks to the huge growth in heart patients whose doctors deny them beef and mutton. But it is not only beef.mutton that doctors advise against, usually they advise against Chicken as well but people see it as the lesser of he two evils. The writer should simply say he does not want to be a heart patient in future and wants to try out the many delicious flavours of vegetables. Although a meat eater myself, I believe the habit is more due to lack of good veggie dishes than a love of meat
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SRIDHAR RAGHUNATHA RAO Oct 06, 2015 03:15pm
I am a vegetarian by birth and so are all my ancestors. Even onion, garlick and many such vegetables are forbidden in our orthodox families. Nevertheless, our food contains every ingredient of our life need and we have never felt that we missed something. During my one year plus stay in East Africa people were amazed that I eat only vegetarian and it was an unbelievable surprise for them. When they tasted our traditional vegetarian food they all liked it. Tehseen Baweja's decision is most welcome and highly appreciated.
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bkt Oct 06, 2015 03:19pm
@SAEED PK > My Indian colleagues were shocked to learn that in Pakistan "MEATLESS DAYS" means Chicken and fish, not vegetables. Unfortunately for us in Pakistan there are none of the scrumptious veggie dishes -- very few at least -- that make up veggie cuisine. If there were more people would be into such dishes. None the less, dal chawal remains an al time favourite in Pakistan despite the lack of meat in it. There is hope yet
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Naveed Oct 06, 2015 03:19pm
@Padmakar So you think taking life of a plant is ok ?
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Conversati Oct 06, 2015 03:19pm
you're free to choose what you eat but refrain from making a moral claim for going vegetarian. After all plants and vegetables are also living things. Scientists tell us that they even feel pain. So what if they are just a few senses short, does it give you the right to claim higher moral ground?
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B SHAIOKH Oct 06, 2015 03:23pm
I will tell you-just look at the construction of teeth in human being -you will not find any canine teeth-the canine teeth is natural for all meat eating animals eg-dogs/foxes/tigers/lions etc etc. So the human being is not created by the Creator like a naturally meat eating creature.
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vijay Oct 06, 2015 03:42pm
".........Turning me to be a calmer person"- I share the same feelings with you. I too had a very difficult time in dealing with my Non-vegetarian friends and acquaintances. I fully second your well articulated thoughts. Best, Vijay
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SAEED PK Oct 06, 2015 03:50pm
@bkt Vegetable means Allo, Bindi, Giya, Shaljam, Shima Mirch, Arvi, Gobi, Pallak, Mathi, Tinda, Moli, Gajar, etc. Regarding Dal Chawal yes people like to have it but prefer it on above vegetable. Anyhow, Meat, (Mutton, Chicken, Fish and Beef) in the list of first preference. Visit food streets in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, Faisalabad, Multan, Questa and you will see eaters of meat (would hardly see any vege eater).
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Alia Oct 06, 2015 03:51pm
Hatts of to you, m hard core vegetarian from 22years .don't worry Allah will be there to feed you everywhere
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Chandni Indian Oct 06, 2015 03:59pm
Dear Author & my dear Pakistani Vegetarian friends Just in case if you're feeling short of veg options then please go through Indian recipes in YouTube or similar websites.. You'll find amazing veg dishes which are easy to make & healthy as well..
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Sadhguru vishwabandhu Oct 06, 2015 04:03pm
In terms of the quality of food that is entering you, definitely vegetarian food is far better for the system than non-vegetarian. We are not looking at it from a moral standpoint. We are just looking at what is suitable for the system – we try to eat foods which would make you comfortable in the body. Whether you want to do your business properly or study properly or do any activity properly, it is extremely important that your body is at ease. So, the kind of food with which your body would be most at ease and would not struggle to get nourishment out of, that is the kind of food we should eat. Read the rest here: http://www.ishafoundation.org/blog/lifestyle/food/why-vegetarianism/
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Peace Oct 06, 2015 04:11pm
@ jawad why to hate someone for a food habit? If your are not keeping well due to loose motion or heart disease or high cholesterol..what you will do? Still continue with your food habits of meat eating the answer is NO. Food habits are inculcated from childhood. In your country too you eat a particular kind of meat probably not in other western countries or many other Asian countries, isn't? Enjoy your life what you are doing and try to happy with other's choices as well. Life is very short to hate. :)
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SAEED PK Oct 06, 2015 04:21pm
After Eid ul Azha when almost every house have meat, people like to have roasted legs of lamb / goat, sri pays, taka tak, bar b que, etc. and eat with Nan, Dehi ki Chatni, Lemon juice on it. This practice is on daily basis at least up to starting Moharam.
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Sheena Oct 06, 2015 04:31pm
What is the point of this article. Moral grounds must be kept a side. Why people forget these moral grounds while using leather and fat products. If you feel that much for animals please avoid to use Tooth paste, Soap, Leather Shoes, jackets, purse, caps and many more things made of animal Products. Let them live to their natural life and after some time there will be no place left for you to live on this earth. Everything in the world is created to benefit Human in a certain way specially Halal animals, their meat, milk, wool, leather, Fats even bones, intestines etc are useful for Human. That doesn't mean Almighty has given a license to kill animals without any reason. Human will be answerable to every misuse of Allah's creation so there is a need to bring balance in it.
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Sheena Oct 06, 2015 04:38pm
@B SHAIOKH : I think you have concentrated more over the construction of Teeth and forget to realize that you also have a brain that enable you to cook that meat for making it compatible with your teeth. Please avoid weird kind of logic in favor of vegetarians.
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Rizwan Oct 06, 2015 04:46pm
Interesting... specially the comments and suggestions part.. But I am not able to make out what was your reason to be veggie???
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jkumar Oct 06, 2015 04:49pm
Lot of Americans including President Clinton, film actors chose to become vegetarians not because of nonviolence but to improve their health.
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Khalid Zaki Oct 06, 2015 04:54pm
Why should you involve morals in eating or not eating meat. It has nothing to do with morals. I like meat , my wife doesn't prefer meat and my younger daughter does'nt eat vegetable. We all love to eat meat. Jagan Nath Azad was invited to a full vegeterian dinner in Lahore, he said " Did you make Pakistan for this" It is a personal choice and we should not banish either meat or vegetable from our diet. We should eat both. There is no moral stigma in feasting either vegetable or meat.
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Alia Oct 06, 2015 05:02pm
I am vegetarian from childhood,I am Pakistani muslim. People are not understanding at times but now society is changing.I dont hate non veg either everyone has its own choice nd we should respect that
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SAEED PK Oct 06, 2015 05:02pm
@jkumar Here in Pakistan doctors advice their patients to use Yakhani (soup) of Mutton or Chicken. We see Chicken Soup stalls at road sides with boiled egg in winter (garram anday). Forget about Vegetables and live a normal life eating meat, vegetable, rice, fish, beans.
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B.Raju Oct 06, 2015 05:10pm
Sir, Being a strict vegetarian myself, I greatly admire and salute your conviction and adherence. Being a vegetarian in India is no big deal but in Pakistan it is indeed a great accomplishment. May you lead a very long and healthy life to be an example to those who wish to but dare not become vegetarian.
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Muhammad Ajmal Jamshaid Oct 06, 2015 05:18pm
I have yet to meet a "moralist & compassionate" vegetarian who may explain me how on earth it is inhuman and unkind to consume one kind of living organism( say an animal) while at the same time it is quite alright to eat to your fill other kinds of equally living organisms( say a carrot).
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Arvind Ajimal Oct 06, 2015 05:24pm
Here we have a new trend, people who want to stop eating non-veg shift to Soya chaaps. The Chaaps or soya nuggets are almost near to the KFC chicken pieces or nuggets, they are cooked with same masaalas and if in gravy, the gravy is prepared same was as in its non-veg dish.
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Sam Oct 06, 2015 05:27pm
So does this insinuate that my moral compass is screwed up because I am an omnivore. Plants are also living beings. If you think its cruelty to animals to kill and consume them, then according to your logic one should not wear leather clothes and footwear, rather don on leaves..hanh!
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SAEED PK Oct 06, 2015 05:40pm
@B.Raju Don't use red meat (beef) regularly. In America there are thousands of people having more than 100 years life, they are not all vegetarian but they use healthy food (meat, vegetable, fish, beans), regularly exercise and take medical care. There is justification in Islam for slaughtering and use of animals and being Muslims we have to follow it.
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Hosur Oct 06, 2015 05:41pm
I am a vegetarian and make no fuss about it>i can manage and make do with eating some salads,breads and maybe yogurt which to day you can get anywhere.i was once invited by christian family and hey do not know how to cook vegetarian and informed me that there was a little bit of meat in their curry.i sad if I can eat a little bit of meat then I could eat a whole lot of meat and that is my problem,thanked them for inviting me and declined to eat there.
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Pnr Oct 06, 2015 05:48pm
Being a Pakistani vegetarian , I suspect I am a minirity of one?!?
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Abroo Oct 06, 2015 06:15pm
People should respect other’s dietary choices whether they are based on religion or otherwise. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian people could eat in an unhealthy manner. I know vegetarians who don’t like vegetables and mostly eat grain based dishes. My fellow meat-loving Pathans don’t have healthy eating habits. They normally would not even look at vegetables or grains. A balanced mix of protein (animal or grain), vegetables and some carbohydrates is good for overall well-being.
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Anil Kumar Oct 06, 2015 06:15pm
It is a very personal matter. I am a vegetarian. Basically, the question that needs to be answered within ones own self is-must some living creature die so that I will live.
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Zulu Oct 06, 2015 06:22pm
Stay calm and eat veggies
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Mango Muncher Oct 06, 2015 06:23pm
Article raises awareness. As for me, I start to get withdrawal symptoms if I don't have meat or poultry on my plate for more than a day.
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LOCKHORN Oct 06, 2015 06:34pm
Great article. I am from India and a meat eater, and I have many cousins who have switched over to vegetarianism. I have not switched completely, but I try my best to avoid red meat (I used to eat beef as well) and stick to the occasional fish and chicken with mostly vegetarian food as the staple. I do not buy the health argument too much - if cooked the right way (not fried, grilled or under cooked) and consumed in moderation, I do not think meat is unhealthy. In fact, I think there are some health benefits to non-vegetarian food. Similarly, one can get sick by eating vegetarian food if the right foods are not consumed - too much grain, too much butter, fried samosas, oily paratthas etc. However I am for the moral and ecological arguments. Studies have shown that the carbon footprint of farming and eating meat is far higher than that of vegetables. So, if I cannot reject meat, I can at least reduce it.
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Naveen Oct 06, 2015 06:34pm
Its not difficult being vegetarian in Pakistan, I visited Lahore few times no problems getting Dal, veges, chapatis , nuts etc
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dabangg Oct 06, 2015 06:38pm
I commend people who are vegetarians by choice. Giving up meat later in life is tough.
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rashi Oct 06, 2015 06:47pm
@Muhammad Ajmal Jamshaid can't u see the pain and fear brother.I cudnt watch a goat being killed
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LOCKHORN Oct 06, 2015 06:49pm
People that are born in a vegetarian family and have been vegetarian for most of their lives do not understand how much of mental strength is required to give up meat (whatever the reasons may be) for someone that has been eating meat for a long time. More so when you see it all around you all the time when everyone of your family and friends are eating it. I appreciate the author for his mental strength and his belief in himself.
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LOCKHORN Oct 06, 2015 06:50pm
People have asked for the reason for switching to vegetarianism. It is the author's own personal reasoning, which he calls as a moral compass. It is like asking why someone is an atheist. He or she may have their own reasoning of why they have lost faith in religion or perhaps they had a bad experience - or may be they are too rational. As the author rightly says, providing a reason only opens up room for arguments and counter-arguments. Whatever may be the reason, choices of things like food and faith are personal and we must just let people choose their beliefs. There is no right or wrong as long as they do not cause harm to others.
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Shrenik Oct 06, 2015 06:54pm
I was born vegetarian and never had any craving for non vegetarian food. But being born into a non vegetarian family and then giving up the diet is simply amazing. I always feel amazed that people still opt for vegetarian diet out of morality - for this alone I appreciate this writer. If you can understand the pain of animals that are slaughtered for food, then you will refrain from non vegetarian food. But most of the humans are conditioned to think of non vegetarian food as just food, that's all. Live and let live, should be the policy of humans and ultimately civilizations will have to understand this basic principle.
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javed Oct 06, 2015 07:05pm
Basic human diet before we became "civilized" have been meat and fruits. That kept us healthy and strong until we became civilized and start eating processed foods. Now we have become fat and unhealthy.
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Anil Kumar Oct 06, 2015 07:05pm
All friends who are very enthusiastic about being non vegetarian-please do check out your levels of Homocysteine, a free radical produced in body and implicated in a large number of serious ailments. For more information google "Homocysteine unveiled"extracted from the book -The H factor. Better to apply Science when dealing with the human machine. Food is just the fuel.
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Vijay Oct 06, 2015 07:17pm
@Naveed Educate yourself rather than being a cynic. Animals, and all living beings have soul (rooh); that is, consciousness. Plants and minerals don't. Every living being is aware of impending death when they are being killed. On the other hand, fruit trees shed their bounty when the fruit ripens. Ever seen a cow shed its leg when it has ripened?
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B.Raju Oct 06, 2015 07:33pm
@SAEED PK Mr.Saeed, Yes, I understand but I have nothing against those who consume meat regularly or Islam. In fact most of my friends do. I only admired the author's grit and determination amides such heavy odds. Of course meat does not cut down ones life span drastically. May you too have a long and healthy life.
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M3lb0urn3 Oct 06, 2015 07:36pm
I have been asked this question on number of occasions that what if you trapped in jungle and eating meat is the only option to survive. Last time when I had this conversation with my friend, I asked him what if there is a law in jungle that hang non - vegetarians up side down. He replied, it's not possible. And my answer was "you have your imaginary jungle, I have mine" Not offending any one. I just came up with a solution when someone asks me this question
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FZ Oct 06, 2015 07:36pm
@SAEED PK There is one in Clifton called Rajistan/Rajsomething. It's good too!
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jawhar Oct 06, 2015 07:37pm
Great to read this. Very honest indeed. Very well written without passing any judgement. Very Good.
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M3lb0urn3 Oct 06, 2015 07:38pm
@B SHAIOKH a car is designed, by creator of course, to drive up to 220 km/hr but there is a safe speed
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ROHIT PANDEY Oct 06, 2015 07:40pm
Excellent life choice...must be difficult in Pakistan, where the population considers meat to be THE diet choice and everything else is not in favor? In the long run, very beneficial to health, as well? Good luck.
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Sheeda Oct 06, 2015 07:42pm
Good for you for being a vegetarian! That leaves more meat for rest of us!
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Jatinder Oct 06, 2015 07:44pm
Very well thoughts explained into words, thanks Sir.
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COLIN Oct 06, 2015 08:10pm
@Naveed Yes,eating plants is OK as they do not scream in fear and terror when their "throats" are cut and they do not bleed to death, as far as we can SEE !! OKAY ?!
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rita Oct 06, 2015 08:16pm
I have been vegetarian all my life. I dislike meat as I have never really eaten it and am not used to eat, I remember eating meat about 5 times in my life, all in error and it tasted horrible, that how I would find out it was meat. I recently turned vegan, out of compassion and unity with animals. If anyone here is interested to find out, please check out the following documentaries: Earthlings, you can see this at earthlings.com (ethics), forks over knives (health & nutrition), cowspiracy (environmental), and vegucated (lifestyle). These documentaires have had a tremendous impact on me and my eating habits. A vegan lifestyle is not only compassionate, but also good for your health and the environment.
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gaurav Oct 06, 2015 08:18pm
Interesting article. I was born a vegetarian but as an adult turned a non vegetarian. I am trying to turn vegetarian again but find it very difficult. I am in sales and working with clients makes it particularly difficult. Would like to understand how you motivate yourself to remain vegetarian ...I am convinced its a healthier lifestyle more so for an adult but I am unable to let go of the meat craving sometimes.
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Satyam vada Oct 06, 2015 08:37pm
I am born into a vegetarian family, so I have been brought up vegetarian. I was an agnostic for a decade, yet never even thought of eating meat. I live in USA. Most assume I am vegetarian for religious reasons and too traditional to cross the line. and don't even raise the question. Yes back in India I was asked why it is OK to kill plants but not animals. My answer was 1. Plants don't die because I plucked veg or fruit they grow more of them, when you want meat you kill the whole organism. 2. because i am killing plants, I don't have to kill animals. i can minimize the damage. 3. what if I argue if you can eat cow or pig why not dog and cat too and why not dead humans too? That is poor logic. we all draw a line somewhere for different reasons, where are we ready to draw the line is the decision to be made by our conscience.
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prateek Oct 06, 2015 08:43pm
Thank you Tehseen Bajwa.
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Secular Indian Oct 06, 2015 09:01pm
When I went to the US in 80s, it was difficult to be vegetarian. At Thanksgiving dinner at American classmate's home, after finding why I am not eating Turkey, my friend's grandmother suggested I eat salad. My friend told her that salad too had chicken in it. She replied , "Just remove the chicken pieces!" So I can understand how difficult it can be sometimes with people. I assume in Pakistan, like in India, Muslims think that they must eat meat because that sets them apart from vegetarian Hindus. Though the reality is that only a small portion of Hindus is pure vegetarian. One can live healthy life without killing animals marked a high note in the evolution of human race. Very few people have learned enough to appreciate this fact. By arguing with you they feel they are defending their choice eating meat.
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lafanga Oct 06, 2015 09:07pm
Being a vegetarian in Pakistan is like going to a theme park and not sit on any of the rides. I can never give up meat but I eat it in moderation ... specially the red meat.
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lafanga Oct 06, 2015 09:17pm
All those who keep saying that being vegetarian means being non-violent ..... Hitler was a dedicated vegetarian according to credible reports and his food taster. As a Muslim I don't believe that eating meat makes you more violent than being a vegetarian. Lack of anger management makes one violent not the diet. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/world-war-two/9859294/Hitlers-food-taster-speaks-of-Fuhrers-vegetarian-diet.html
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Parveen Oct 06, 2015 09:19pm
Tehseen, I agree with you that it is a personal choice and people should respect it.I have few American friends who are vegetarian and i respect that on the other hand it shows their self discipline.It is amazing how much variety of vegetables is there.There are so many different kind of lentils,beans etc.All we have to do is be a little creative.Let me give you one example of a root veg. called in sindhi BEH or lotus roots.In India they make so many different dishes with it.But in Pakistan the only place where you find is Saddar veg.market, i think we used to call it Bolton mkt.This veg. is common in chinese cafes. I like your article,pl. keep doing good work.This is a good begining .
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Zahid Oct 06, 2015 09:38pm
I love my juicy charbroiled beef steak. I also love crisp iceberg lettuce salad. I don't feel heavy at all after eating meat. I am 62 and till now need no regular medication. Some of my vegetarian friends look anemic and weak. I wonder if being vegetarian is all that good.
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KN Oct 06, 2015 09:39pm
I am a Indian and not a vegetarian myself. I know several Muslim friends who are vegetarians. I respect their choice. Great going Tehseen. We all are primarily responsible to our own moral compass and principles. Good for you.
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KN Oct 06, 2015 09:40pm
@Naveen I guess the author is saying it is not difficult being a vegetarian in Pakistan as long as you are guided by your moral compass not that of others.
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hanif akhtar Oct 06, 2015 10:04pm
My whole family is vegetarian including me and my wife for the last 18 years. my wife and I experienced the same treatment like the writer in the Pakistani society in the US and in Pakistan. We are ethical vegetarian I would suggest the author to get in touch with PETA in USA .or one of my daughters, one of them is Doctor and an author of book on this subject the other one is a Double PHD and is a professor at UVA.
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Shankar Oct 06, 2015 10:07pm
There is something inherently violent and negative about meat eating. this negativity may manifest in various ways including aggressive and violent behaviour.
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dabangg Oct 06, 2015 10:20pm
@B SHAIOKH We do have incisors to cut meat.
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rita Oct 06, 2015 10:25pm
@gaurav Watch forks over knives, if you need a more compelling reason watch cowspiracy. The most compelling one is Earthlings.
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rita Oct 06, 2015 10:27pm
@hanif akhtar Hanif, please can you share the title of the book your daughter wrote? I would like to add that to my arsenal of knowledge when attacked by non-vegetarians. Trust me, I do get attacked about my dietary "Carb no protien" diet
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bengalinri Oct 06, 2015 10:28pm
A famous US philosopher/author Joseph Campbell once suggested that to be happy one must follow his/her bliss, that is do what ever makes him/her happy and peaceful without hurting others. I no longer enter into any discussion what so ever about my vegetarian food habits with any non-believers of vegetarianism because it is always argumentative, unpersuasive , shallow, exhausting, un-enlightening, silly, vague, un-adulterated waste of time. I just tell them half truth like doctors have advised me to avoid such and such ....end of discussion or steer the conversation away from the subject. No need to feel superior /inferior ...nothing.
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rita Oct 06, 2015 10:29pm
@nelson goa india If you watch earthlings, you will never eat meat. Cowspiracy is a lovely documentary on the environmental damage that animal agriculture does. Forks over Knives will convince you from a health perspective.
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rita Oct 06, 2015 10:36pm
@josh Compassion is one of the reasons most meat eaters go vegetarian and Vegan. See earthlings and you will give up all dairy.
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rita Oct 06, 2015 10:38pm
@Khem Watch earthlings and all cravings will disappear. It is painful to watch, compassion will flood your soul, you will never be the same again.
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rita Oct 06, 2015 10:41pm
@Satish Kumar Dogra Yet you eat dairy, the pain and agony dairy cows go through can never be good.
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rita Oct 06, 2015 10:43pm
@dudenator Funnily enough, I had that feeling when I went raw. I've always been vegetarian, but gave up eating cooked food. You feel more energetic, light, and happy with Raw food. I would definitely recommend it.
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Gp65 Oct 06, 2015 10:44pm
@jawad by all means continue to eat meat since it is so important to you. Do try to cultivate a liking for vegetables too because if you avoid veggies, you are denying yourself fibre and a plethora of phytonutrients necessary for your health. Bon Appetit.
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rita Oct 06, 2015 10:44pm
@Dr Killjoy Please watch the movie earthlings and you will understand what the author means.
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rita Oct 06, 2015 10:45pm
@Gaurav Arya Gaurav, watch earthlings and you will change your mind
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rita Oct 06, 2015 10:47pm
@bkt Compassion is one of the major reasons in the west. Health is a close second.
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rita Oct 06, 2015 10:51pm
@Khalid Zaki Kalid, for a lot of people I know it was infact compassion for animals, they have been meat eaters for the longest time. Some Hindus, most jains eat vegetarian for religion, yet they consume dairy, which today causes such undue pain and agony to the poor animals.
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Gp65 Oct 06, 2015 11:08pm
@Sam Many vegetarians do in fact avoid leather. It is unclear why you would have to don leaves. Cotton, polyester, chiffon are all fabrics that can be worn....
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Gp65 Oct 06, 2015 11:12pm
@javed Processed food indeed is unhealthy. But a diet consisting of daal roti, sabzi, fruits, yoghurt , beans is a very healthy diet and unlikely to make you fat and unhealthy. Not pushing you to become vegetarian - eat what you prefer. Simply pointing out that giving up meat does not imply eating processed food.
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rajasekhar Oct 06, 2015 11:47pm
Congratulation for being converted in to vegetarianism. I tried very hard to be a vegetarian but will power failed. There are innumerable health benefits besides ethical.
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Ramesh Oct 07, 2015 12:20am
Whenever I feel like eating meat, I think of how it would be if aliens capture earth and bred humans (like hens in poultry farms) for consumption for their choicest of alien festivals. That thought alone makes me extend my half-hearted vegetarianism for the that day at least.
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Raj Oct 07, 2015 01:25am
Please respect vegetarians and non vegetarians, I believe in , you eat to survive not other way around. I use ndc ( non dairy creamer/ milk) to go with my cereal, coffee.
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Mohammed Aziz Oct 07, 2015 01:52am
I was once told in Toronto that if any alien were to eat kids and parents of humn, how would it feel? Yes, I realized that killing any animal is very inhuman act and should not be done. We do it because we have arms, tools and better brains. Allah created us to take care of his other creations.
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Regan Josh Oct 07, 2015 02:06am
Interesting read. Even more interesting is the surname 'Baweja'. We have Sindhi Hindus in India who use this surname.
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Kash Oct 07, 2015 02:16am
Very true. I have been vegetarian for 7 years. I live in USA but come to Pakistan every year and sometimes several times a year. I have had similar experience being a vegetarian in Pakistan. Most people are unable to comprehend why would I give up meet. I'm even told that eating only vegetables makes you coward as meat eaters are courageous. Like writer suggested, it's not worth having a logical discussion with most people here about being vegetarian in Pakistan. However, Pakistani food have some of the mouth watering vegetable dishes in the world. Had methi ka saag and aloo this evening and enjoyed every bit of it :)
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Ponka Oct 07, 2015 02:29am
Not eating meat in Pakistan is like being at Toys R US and not liking toys :)
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Sleepless in Sahiwal Oct 07, 2015 02:33am
You didn't clearly mention the reason for becoming a vegetarian. If its the 'animal cruelty'thing aren't plants (i.e. veggies) too are living beings?
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Suresh K Oct 07, 2015 03:50am
Being a complete vegetarian is the most good thing one can do for themselves, health-wise, the intended prey (compassion), to the planet & environment and for climate change. I urge readers to Google and find some answers; they may come as a shock! That is why the Dharmic religions (Hindu, Buddhist & Jain) promote vegetarianism in a big way. Good on the author to think of his moral obligations while living with other living entities.
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prashanth Oct 07, 2015 05:42am
@Muhammad Ajmal Jamshaid : I have yet to meet a "moralist & compassionate" vegetarian who may explain me how on earth it is inhuman and unkind to consume one kind of living organism( say an animal) while at the same time it is quite alright to eat to your fill other kinds of equally living organisms( say a carrot). Are you ready for what I have to say? What's your opinion on cannibalism? Forget cannibalism; what about dog meat?
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indian thinker Oct 07, 2015 06:03am
This article is an eye opener for me in respecting people's choice. Thanks Tehseen
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Syed Irfan Ali Oct 07, 2015 07:00am
So well written article that depicts the balanced approach of the writer.
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Aussie Oct 07, 2015 07:01am
i love beef
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Jagmohan Oct 07, 2015 07:19am
Most of my life I have been a meat eater. I have tried to go the vegetarian way a couple of times but have scummed to meat eating again. I believe the vegetarian diet is a better option for health and moral reasons, but it is much easier to be a meat eater in USA. I have however reduced my meat intake considerably and avoid it if there is a choice.
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Vegetarian Oct 07, 2015 08:05am
A good article. I also was reading debates here as to how it can be equally unjust to eat living plants. Would like to share my views and try replying to folks equating killing of animals with "killing of plants". 1. The damage to the ecosystem by eating non-vegetarian food is more than that by eating veg. Large amounts of forests have to be destroyed to cultivate grasslands/pastures to rear meat giving animals. 2. The 2nd largest contributor to Greenhouse effect after CO2 is CH4 (methane). The largest producer of natural methane are bovine animals. It has been proven that since methane dissipates faster than CO2, stopping meat consumption will have a much more positive impact in reducing greenhouse effect than reducing our CO2 footprint . So while we can't stop eating meat, we can reduce its consumption. 3. Like someone said we have a brain that lets us make a choice. That makes it dangerous. All animals - except man eat only when hungry, and eat their primary food. Man is the only animal who gluts. He kills to make profit. Meat, leather, animal parts, you name it, he does it. This greed has resulted in many animals being hunted out of extinction. 4. It has been proven that red meat consumption lead to health issues related to cholesterol, obesity, and various diseases related to the digestive system. 5. Then there is a debate on "Haram" and "Halal". While one can advocate that one is "Sacrifice" over "death", hey guys the animal didn't volunteer to get sacrificed! If it could speak I am sure it would refuse to sacrifice itself. 6. In most developed countries, meat industry is heavily subsidized because the population wants it cheap. That makes the vegetables as costly as meat. That in turn leads to people opting meat. In majority of developing countries, meat is expensive. Thus people tend to eat vegetarian food, and non-veg is eaten as a change. Hence naturally the impact to the ecosystem is much less. 7. Finally, whatever one chooses to eat it is by choice. Morals are by choice too. Something moral for one, can be immoral to someone else (Veg/Non-Veg, Halal/Haram, Veg/Vegan). As long as you realise that your choice can impact the ecosystem, if you can - make an impact. Reduce your meat consumption.
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gul ramani Oct 07, 2015 08:50am
Vegetarian food is the way to go. Since i switched to being a veggie, i feel leaner, healthier and not to say morally better viz other life forms. Highly recommended not only for Pakistanis but the world over : )
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Tejinder Oct 07, 2015 10:37am
I agree with the views of writer. Unfortunately, people with unconscious bias find it hard to accept the shift.
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Imran AB Oct 07, 2015 10:43am
Understand your predicament as I have been a vegetarian for two years myself. Being a Muslim and a vegetarian at the same time is not only difficult but also confusing for many Muslims to comprehend. I am back to meat eating but it is never my first dish of choice in a restaurant or any meal at home or at someone else's place as long as there is a vegetable dish available as an option.
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sanjeev kumar Oct 07, 2015 10:52am
Any guess? How many in Pakistan are vegetarian? Why not form a club of like minded person?
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Amit Oct 07, 2015 11:03am
@B SHAIOKH Try not to give reasons which can be challenged in 100 ways. It's a choice these days for eating meat or going fully veggie. If the whole world go vegetarian, then there will be acute shortage of food. Moreover, people in deserts and colder areas would die of hunger. There is enough evidence that our ancestors (of the time of Rama and Krishna) also ate meat. So, if you don't have teeth of a meat eater, then you also don't have a stomach of a grass eater either, try eating raw leaves and grass and see what happens....
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dudenator Oct 07, 2015 11:20am
@rita I saw 15 minutes of Earthlings and I stopped looking at the screen and only kept hearing the commentary. 30 minutes later I switched off the documentary completely. I thanked my self after seeing this that I turned vegetarian.
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Hasan Mir Oct 07, 2015 11:28am
I became a vegetarian when I was living in London. This was 9ish or so years ago. I can totally relate to your social experiences with people that first find out you are a vegetarian. In England, people would just shrug, and offer a vegetarian option, in Pakistan people somehow seem honour bound to argue with you on your personal dietary choices. Hopefully this will change in the decades to come, but I'm not holding my breath.
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SAEED PK Oct 07, 2015 12:23pm
In Pakistan "Vegetarian" means that a person has some medical problem. A healthy person should eat a balanced diet having meat, vegetable, fish, mutton, beef etc.
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Richard James Oct 07, 2015 12:31pm
Move to Gujarat. Over there, almost everybody is a vegetarian.
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Aam Aadmi Oct 07, 2015 12:47pm
Amazing article Tehseen. I am not a vegetarian but I liked the way you kept the balance in your article explaining the pro's of being a vegetarian without hurting the non vegetarians. Kudos to Dawn too for publishing this article.
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Vijay B. Oct 07, 2015 12:48pm
Those that confront vegeterianism with "well you eat plants and plants have lives too, are just morons. we of course have to eat to survive and killing a plant can nowhere be equated to slaughtering a live, walking, talking, beautiful animal. That having been said, "Ahimsa' or non-violence means trudging through the journey of life doing the least possible damage to the environment around you, and eating plants versus animals is "Ahimsa'
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Vijay B. Oct 07, 2015 12:57pm
@Regan Josh Baweja, Ahuja, Juneja, etc are all basically Sarayki or Multani surnames of Hindus, but then as people moved geographically there came Punjabis and Sindhis with the same surnames intact. Muslims with these surnames have to be of Hindu ancestry who got converted somewhere along the line
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FB Oct 07, 2015 12:57pm
@Tehseen: how about qurbani on Eid ul Adha? Does that not conflict with your beliefs? Just curious.
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Khan A. Oct 07, 2015 01:25pm
I don't understand vegans and vegetarians. We eat food for our survival so why not meat? Meat provides nutrition that plants simply cannot. One example, of such nutrition, could be Omega3 fats. Those who say killing animals is cruelty, let me ask them, why is killing plants not a cruelty? Don’t plants suffer or feel pain when they are cut off? Isn't that cruelty? Plants bear fruits/vegetables to provide nourishment for its seeds and protect them while they are still developing. (Just like how an egg serves for the offspring). To me the only thing that would make sense would be if one eats naturally fallen fruits and vegetables and trust me some sensible vegans do that.
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Egoist Oct 07, 2015 01:43pm
@Padmakar and at the author: So you believe that plants and vegetables are not living things when scientifically they are classified as one of the forms of life? So it only comes down to your choice of killing one kind of life but not the other. Will be great if you can elaborate further on it.
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SRIDHAR RAGHUNATHA RAO Oct 07, 2015 01:52pm
@SRIDHAR RAGHUNATHA RAO Adding further to my post: Let the tribe of Tehseen Baweja increase. Let everyone live happily and healthily by bracing vegetarianism to their full span of life as Blessed by Him.
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Mazhar Oct 07, 2015 02:02pm
I was once trapped in a 5 day conference in Islamabad on a residential campus. Believe it or not, they offered only Chicken (of course with various dishes out of it) in Lunch and Dinner throughout the conference. First day was okay but second was surprising, and after that each food time was disappointing (for me only, nobody else showed their disappointment). No veges, only chicken!! I wonder they had absolutely no respect and regards to vegetarians.
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Adeel Oct 07, 2015 02:41pm
I am not a vegetarian but I like/prefer vegetables more than meat or pulses/staples etc. Even that is difficult to justify in our society. We need to be more tolerant, it's ok to have different choices
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Datta Oct 07, 2015 03:07pm
@Sheena Well said. one should eat what he or she wants to.Letr us not attach a religious tag to it. North Indians and pakistan born people are well built and are staying in a very difficcult terrin i.e. is Himalaya. Due to hardship and body requirement they eat meat which is ok. Author's choice to become veggie is also to be respected. It might be unusual in Pakistan as entire country is nonveg. Any way nice article. Well written , well thought of . It is a satire too as he is being looked upon differently by others. I remember "Khansama" of MoulANA YUSUFjAI. i THANK dAWN FOR such articles. I reAD DAWN DAILY before I read Indian news papers. Can I subscribe for Hard copy of dawn? Pl. inform.
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Jalbani Oct 07, 2015 03:12pm
Tell me about it, I am a vego since the age of 5 and the nonsense I had to put up with initially was incredible, now everyone knows and ensures that veggies are taken care of wherever I am invited or wherever I go.
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SAEED PK Oct 07, 2015 03:29pm
Dear my vegetarian friends a good news for you is that people in Pakistan also like to have sarso ka saaj, aalo ka paratha, moli ka paratha, gajar to halwa, gajerala etc. in winter season.
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Bikram Thappa Oct 07, 2015 03:33pm
Excellent write up !
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Bikram Thappa Oct 07, 2015 03:34pm
@gogo In which state do you live gogo. please share veg menu for one year
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Ramakant Oct 07, 2015 03:42pm
I used to be a vegetarian , But then 1 day i witnessed a poor helpless Plant being slaughtered before my very eyes. It became clear that it was morally reprehensible to consume plants and vegetables. Since that very day i became a PURE non-vegetarian and have renounced all vegetables and grains . I no longer feel weak or fatigued and i perceive things with a moral clarity that my vegetarian friends cannot.
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DC Oct 07, 2015 03:57pm
@Muhammad Ajmal Jamshaid Hey Ajmal, It about the extent of damage you are doing to eco system for your food. Eating Veggies alone may NOT be 100 % violent but much less than compared to killing Animals for food. When you eat carrot you don't destroy entire plan , you are eating a part which will grow again. Like you eat potato, and not potato plant. Its also proven that going green is much less harmful to the Environment.
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Hari Oct 07, 2015 04:16pm
Great, so is it possible to travel through Pakistan for a vegetarian? I am an Indian who gave up non veg 10 yrs back and is glad for doing so. Same here, it calmed me down and my anger is almost gone. As a next step I would say, watch ones own breathing, especially before prayer and any time possible. Will see astounding results in short time.
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Chidambaram Oct 07, 2015 04:23pm
I am in the same boat as the author and my moral compass does not allow me to eat meat. Though born in a family who do not eat meat I too have eaten meat for three years. But one fine day my moral compass urged me to give up meat. Apart from this giving up meat is good for the environment too. If everyone in the world become vegeterian we can cut down CO2 emissions by a third. This is because most of the agricultural land can be used to produce food for Human beings that for growing fodder for the animals which are bred. This will reduce the load on the natural forest . Also Slaughter houses are one of the worst polluters. But the funniest comment which I heard from a Chinese lady is that "you dont eat meat and you look so strong" !!!!
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Vijay B. Oct 07, 2015 04:29pm
By some freak of fate we humans got to the top rung of the ladder not just on the food chain but also in the brains. In return for the boons bequeathed to us it is our responsibility to be kind to our less fortunate brethren (the other animals,) and not raise them for food , to kill and eat them. A lot of people will argue that carnivores eat other animals and like them we are animals too. But we are human animals; no other animals wear clothes, or are able to use fire to cook their food, or have call phones, computers, cars, washers, dryers, refrigerators, air conditioners etc. So we are not like other animals. Moreover, vegetarian meals are good for your digestive tract, making you less susceptible to be constipated, get diverticulosis or colon cancer.
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Vijay B. Oct 07, 2015 04:37pm
@Egoist "ahimsa" non-violence is making our journey through life doing the least damage to our surroundings. Of course we have to eat something to survive. Killing a walking, talking, moving, animal or bird cannot be compared to harvesting plant food.
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james grant duff Oct 07, 2015 08:32pm
That is called growing up - when you come out of the claustrophobic influences of your parents and religion without harming the society.
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mansoor asif Oct 07, 2015 10:42pm
If anyone wants to understand the biochemistry of eating animal protein(not only meat) and/or plants(not only vegetables), even if you know little or no science, read the landmark book, The China Study by T.Collin Campbell, the guru of epidemiology, and know the payoffs and consequences of your eating habits.
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zainab Hissam Oct 07, 2015 11:36pm
I am impressed.
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Az Oct 07, 2015 11:38pm
I am first ever born vegetarian in my family .
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Samia Malik Oct 08, 2015 10:38am
I would love for you to share some dishes that you eat .I have two kids who have turned vegetarian and are not too found of Pakistani cuisine . Beside cooking Tofu, Beans ,Spinach would greatly appreciate if you could share some recipes.
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Red Rag Oct 10, 2015 07:37pm
I was a vegetarian for well over 10 years - that's a pretty long period and excludes me as someone who just experimented with veterinarian-ism. But chicken soup one day was the start of my reversion to a meat eater. I can connect and understand the experiences of the author of this article.
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Uzair Aftab Oct 12, 2015 08:55pm
Story of my life!
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Uzair Aftab Oct 12, 2015 08:56pm
Story of my life!
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