In brief
As Pakistan's government seeks to regulate supernatural services through strict penalties, astrologers warn of the broad implications for their work and livelihoods.
In a soft-lit chamber in Lahore, the scent of incense mingles with the anxious whispers of clients seeking guidance. Shahbaz Anjum, a local astrologer and palmist, holds a revered space within the Pearl Continental Hotel, where a diverse clientele seeks solace in his insights. For 24 years, Anjum has avoided advertising, yet his reputation draws everyone from the wealthy elite to the uninitiated — all in search of direction."I help people," Anjum insists, clarifying his intentions. "I don’t claim to heal, and I certainly don’t do black magic." His statement comes as a stark contrast to current governmental efforts to curtail occult practices in Pakistan.Amidst these developments, fears are mounting among spiritual practitioners like Anjum as the Pakistani legislature advances a bill that proposes up to seven years in prison for individuals engaging in vaguely defined supernatural services deemed harmful to society. This initiative, aimed at combating what officials describe as a cultural threat, risks sweeping up those offering benign spiritual consultations alongside actual harmful practices.Since the bill's Senate approval earlier this year, critics argue its ambiguity could lead to arbitrary interpretations, endangering those in the spiritual sector. Astrologers, such as Anjum, face uncertainty regarding the future of their craft as they navigate the tension between ancient traditions and contemporary governance.In Pakistan, where superstition often intersects with social norms, the proposed legislation raises critical questions about the freedom to practice spirituality in a rapidly modernizing society. With impending restrictions, spiritual leaders find themselves advocating for their right to continue providing guidance and support to their communities without fear of retribution from the state.
