THIS is apropos the report ‘Javed Hashmi assails blasphemy law in NA’ (Sept 25). The winds of change have started picking up. The gags previously put on the mouths and on the conscience of the Pakistani people are weakening.

It is due to people like Javed Hashmi that one can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

According to the Munir Commission report, it was the riots of 1953 which were the cause of what have today become Pakistan’s misery. Theocracy enjoyed the taste of newfound unlimited power it exerted over the illiterate masses, and then on there was no looking back.

From the streets this influence entered the assemblies and then became a well-organised economic force.

Today, theocracy has become the ‘old man of the sea’ from Sindbad’s fifth journey and no end to the troubles on the shoulders of the nation is in sight.

FARRUKH SHAH Lahore