Pakistan is taboo in Copenhagen
ANI[ SATURDAY, AUGUST 13, 2005 07:13:01 AM ]
LONDON: Pakistan, the name itself seems taboo in Europe post 9/11 what with revelations that three of the London 7/7 bombers visited Pakistan in November 2004.
The Danish capital of Copenhagen, which was, supposed to name one of the city roads as Pakistan is now embroiled in a tussle with the residents, who do not want any part of the city to be associated with the name — Pakistan.
And the only reason, post 7/7 anyone wearing a traditional salwar kameez and sporting a beard is seen with suspicion by the locals.
The mayor of the Copenhagen Municipal Corporation made the decision two years ago during a Pakistani fair held in front of Town Hall. At that time, the city's Pakistani community and other foreigners gladly accepted the decision, though locals were worried as to which road would be renamed Pakistan.
But now, concern has changed to protests, with the locals vociferously objecting to decision. And the tension has risen to such an extent that quarrels and scuffles are regularly taking place each day between the locals and foreigners.