November 16, 2003

PREDICTING the future is fast gaining deep roots in our superstitious community that relies on such beliefs to sustain its dwindling fortunes.

There is a huge demand for prediction in all its forms. It may be based on complicated procedures like the Chinese I-ching, the tarot, palmistry or horoscopes based on astrological calculations of the date, day and timing of the birth of an individual. These are the most popular form of prophecy but our very own national and now international diviner, Komal Tariq, of Lahore, having learnt the art of palmistry subscribes to none of the traditional occult sciences.

She is a psychic in the true sense of the word; she establishes an immediate telepathic contact with the client and thereafter spells out the vision she has received from yonder. She claims that her talent is innate, as in God given and proficiency in the art is impossible with study alone. Now it is up to the questioner to differentiate and assess (with her guidance) which aspects that are about to unfold regarding their destiny are inevitable and which are avoidable.

Tough proposition for the diviner, one might think, as well as being an act of great responsibility. But Komal handles it with immense calm and composure, so sure is she of her position of being an instrument to guide and direct people to their advantage. It is almost therapeutic for her; she finds great peace in her work. One might compare it as akin to the job of a doctor who makes patients well. This is not far off from what might have happened.

Komal’s parents wanted her to be a doctor but at an early age she was identified by a pundit in India who recognized her inborn gift and advised her to develop her sixth sense. However, it was not until 1980 that Komal started practising professionally. Since then she has never advertised or promoted herself. She charges a nominal sum and people come in their hordes. Most leave with the feeling of having found a friend and a counsellor who helps them to focus and direct their lives constructively.

A lot of Komal’s guidance is based on special prayers that she advises people to recite in particular circumstances. There is an extraordinary story of a Sikh woman who came to her in a desperate situation because her son was in an irretrievable coma in hospital and was unlikely to get better. Komal foresaw otherwise and asked her pray a special prayer for him. The child recovered quite miraculously. This reinforced Komal’s belief in the power of prayer and she uses her special gift of precognizense to enhance that.

In another instance, a driver approached her in dire straits about his financial disabilities. She told him to relax because his problems would soon be alleviated. He scoffed at her and left without any hope. Imagine his excitement when he returned having won a bond of Rs500,000! Rich or poor, politicians, actors and sportsmen, people from all walks of life are her clients. In 1987, she told the then Punjab Chief Minister, Nawaz Sharif that he would be PM and that he would come into power twice!

Many of Komal’s clients are young people who are confused about decisions regarding a career or marriage. Over the years the emphasis on romantic aspects have lessened and been replaced by questions concerning economic viabilities and professions. She guides people in their selection of career not merely like a counsellor but by dint of having a tremendous edge of assessing their innate talents and capabilities. They do consider her suggestions seriously. In an unfortunate tale, she literally forced a woman to study after her marriage and take up a job which uncannily came of use when the woman was widowed.

Komal sadly recalls the story of another dissatisfied woman of ordinary background who wanted to push her husband into making more money. Komal repeatedly discouraged her from obsessively following the money trail; she warned that no good would come of it. When this woman returned from London, Komal says “She was like a beautiful flower without scent, she was empty.” Her husband had become successful, but in the process had left her for his secretary.

In Komal’s opinion, a sizable chunk of your life is pre-ordained and so comes to pass. This includes issues of marriage and the time of death. But much of life’s path can be changed dramatically with the way we think. “If this were not the case, life would be meaningless.... I only predict the future on the basis of the potential and abilities of the client. There are good and bad traits in everybody and nobody can be termed as all good or all bad. I point out the things that can be developed or restrained for the better.” In a sense, with her gift of pre-cognition she works like a warning signal that can be of incredible help in averting disasters whereby you might sink your ship of life.

With pictures cruising through her mind like a film reel, she diplomatically works through your psyche to help you put your life back on track. She claims to have saved several marriages and homes from falling apart. Yet, in other instances, she will advise a break-up when she visualizes a losing game. It is a job of great responsibility, but then do we not leave our bodies in the hands of doctors and our minds at the mercy of psychiatrists.

Komal Tariq’s record of accuracy is impressive. With a father and grandfather renowned in the same field, she seems to have inherited the legacy. In spite of a high demand for prophecy, it is still viewed by many with skepticism and often with a lack of respect. But with such a dearth of authentic psychics she deserves to be taken seriously. It is impossible to discount the assumption that prediction is possible, is frequently sought after and is often very successful.

Of course, it carries with it its own baggage of uncertainties. But why should it be expected to meet higher standards than one expects from other fields like science or history? Isn’t it time to accept that accurate predictions are possible and should not be taken lightly?

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