In brief
As Pakistan prepares to legislate against black magic and related practices, astrologers are worried that the vague definitions in the bill could criminalize their work and undermine a long-standing tradition of spiritual guidance.
The curtain glows softly beneath the ceiling lights, with a cream-colored screen offering a veil of privacy for clients who step inside. On a glass panel by the entrance, bold white letters announce: Shahbaz, Astrologer & Palmist. For 24 years, Shahbaz Anjum has occupied his space within the Pearl Continental Hotel in Lahore, serving a diverse clientele. “I help people,” Anjum asserts, clearly distinguishing his services from healing and any involvement in black magic. But the landscape for practitioners like Anjum is shifting dramatically. The Pakistani government is intensifying its crackdown on occult practices, claiming they're detrimental to the country's social fabric. Recently approved legislation in the Senate threatens to impose prison sentences of up to seven years and hefty fines on those providing a nebulously defined set of supernatural services. Many spiritual practitioners fear that such legislation could potentially ensnare individuals who use astrology for guidance. As the debate around these practices heats up, advocates for the law argue it’s necessary to safeguard societal values, but the vague language raises concerns among astrological communities about what constitutes 'offensive' practices. Astrologers now find themselves at a crossroads, caught between tradition and the threat of legal repercussions, with many expressing anxiety about how the law might alter community dynamics and their ability to provide guidance. The situation raises important questions about freedom of belief in Pakistan and whether sacred practices are at risk of being criminalized under the new regime. In this tense environment, practitioners like Anjum continue their work, hopeful for a resolution that allows them to serve their communities without fear.
