http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspxBy NBC News' Hasan Zaidi, reporting from Karachi, PakistanLast year when a journalist from Indian-administered Kashmir asked me what the "story" was behind Begum Nawazish Ali, I was more than just surprised. The Begum (the term means "Lady" in Urdu) inen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46083Wed, 31 Jan 2007 15:43:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46083Aaron JohnsonWho cares. Is this news worthy of my time?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46120Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:07:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46120L. DeWeese, Mardan, NWFP PakistanI live in both Pakistan and the U.S. - all I can say is this: You go Begum Ali! Pakistan needs all the humour it can get!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46135Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:22:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46135Cecilio maldonado, San Antonio, TexasI'm a drag queen too, wish I looked that good and be as popular as she is. At least I wish we the transgender comunity could be fully accepted by everyone.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46139Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:24:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46139Ryan, Whitestone, NYWhat's the over/under on how long it will be before Saleem is beheaded now that he's been outed? For his sake, I hope they don't read Worldblog.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46161Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:41:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46161M, NYCIf this is the best thing to watch on Pakistani TV than pakistanis need to watch a new TV show. A man in drag is anything but entertaining after the first hour. The kind of show pakistanis need should more humourous which everyone can relate to, through satire, everyday living and foibles from such. Humor should be geniuine and thus not cosmetic, it should reflect the true nature of the republic rather something which is not. I support the show for what it is, but not to make it much more. The producers of the show should extend their horizons and look beyond cheap gimmicks such as this and acquire genuine talent one who can make the public smile and even provoke laughter at themselves and everything else. After all, no matter what happens in life if you cant laugh about it or remember it fondly(with the exception of certain grim events) its not worth bringing it about. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46167Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:45:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46167Mahesh, Redmond WAThere's no such thing as Indian administered Kashmir. Its like saying US administered Mexico for California. Please correct your article.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46178Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:49:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46178Julia JamesIt is heartening to read about Begum Ali, certain extreme Islamists here in the U.K seem so humourless and cruel when it comes to gender difference. If this can happen in Pakistan, laughter itself may heal some of the divisions and misunderstandings in our world. All almost everybody of any religion and country wants is a world where it is safe to love and respect one another. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46185Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:52:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46185Dorchie Duncan, Newell, South DakotaI think it's great Ali can do Begum on Pakistani television. It's just too bad a real woman can't do it, with or without the sexual innuendoes. It's an ironic twist that Indian and Pakistani men will accept him as a her on TV, but they apparently can't accept a woman as a woman in the public eye. I suppose they have to start somewhere. . .http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46191Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:57:27 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46191L. Tran, Des Moines, IowaInteresting, I seen of lot of crossing dressing stars in Asian programings, but never expected one in Pakistan of all places. If I could understand the lanuage, I would want to watch it.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46205Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:02:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46205Latasha JenkinsYou GET IT GIRL!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46216Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:07:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46216Dian Williams, Albany, New York Interesting article. Not to piggyback on the comment from L. DeWeese, The World needs all the humor it can get. Good for you Begum Ali. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46218Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:09:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46218hayrulallah ukI am british and I think this is disgusting what ever happend to the real pakistan if this goes on much longer there is going to be trouble.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46231Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:15:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46231Kaushik Dasbiswas, Franklin Park, NJSounds like she is the 'Borat' of Pakistan.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46243Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:19:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46243Noor Malik ,Atlanta GeorgiaIt is a shame for the pakistanies who are living abroad,that a man in the shape of a woman is aired on tv channel every night to speak foolish and rubbish stuff of all kind.Since all the people of the world look at Pakistan as an Islamic country with a strong economic and millitary power.No country in the world has this kind of low -value program,not even any of the poor counties.This non-sense must be stoped even if President Musharuf has to interfere,because we are being considered as the low-life and illitrate people because we can not find a real man or areal woman who can who can come-up with a real late night show.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46245Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:20:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46245Hazari, Scottsdale, AZThis is a farce. While Pakistan is guilty of denigrating their congenital hermaphrodite community into untouchable pariah status, they are all goo-goo ga-ga over this freakshow drag queen? The average Pakistani doesn't even know what a hermaphrodite is and that these people have rights in Islam. Immoral degenerates such as this Begum Nawazish Ali do not. These social issues and hypocricies need to be addressed alongside the scores of other social maladies in Pakistani society which contrast the rights given to people in TRUE Islamic Law (not the mockery of it preached by extremist groups).http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46268Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:31:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46268SarahIs there any way we can see this in the US?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46303Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:49:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46303D in Pa Maybe the Pakistanis will learn to be able to laugh at themselves, and things will lighten up a bit on that side of the world....... Go get 'em!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46306Wed, 31 Jan 2007 17:52:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46306ZeldaThere are some similarities between him and Benjamin Franklin. Franklin used to write letters to the editor using a female persona. It might be kind of fun to explore men using female personas to convey political opinions.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46329Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:05:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46329Aimee, Pittsburgh, PAIs it just me or does she/he look kinda like Paula Abdul?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46330Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:06:54 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46330coloradoit goes back to the old question. which comes first, the egg or the chicken? it's men & women. i didn't know gays are also in pakistan!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46353Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:22:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46353DC, New YorkJust read some of these other responses: "Immoral degenerates such as this Begum Nawazish Ali" do not have rights... Hazari, AZ "This non-sense must be stoped even if President Musharuf has to interfere,because we are being considered as the low-life and illitrate people..." Noor Malik, GA "I think this is disgusting what ever happend to the real pakistan if this goes on much longer there is going to be trouble." Hayrulallah, UK Do these people sound tolerant? Does their application of their religion sound inviting? Granted, some US Ecumenicals sound equally bigoted when they are on the attack but, to echo Ryan in Whitestone, it only makes you wonder how long it will be before he is assasinated. It will probably be a 14 yr old suicide bomber who wants a date with the virgins.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46363Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:28:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46363Ben, Phoenix AZIt amazes me the backwards 4th world Middle East can't handle the thought of a Woman having a thought but they allow and cheer for a man in drag who confesses he's bi. These morons like to proclaim some divine inspiration from a murdering/sexual deviant Mohammad going around killing anyone pro-western but yet they applaud this show. It just proves how uneducated and idiotic they really are.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46374Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:36:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46374Robert, Fresno, CA >>i didn't know gays are also in pakistan! I hope you are kidding. Gay people are born every day in every country in the world. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46377Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:36:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46377Pat Pather, Charlotte, NCWhat's the negativity about? Is it because some-one can stand up and address the issues or is it because Begum is a cross-dresser? There have been a number of such persona all over the world - Dame Edna (England), Evita Bezuidenhout (South Africa), and some of them have been excellent. There is no call for Jihad against them, so why the animosity about Begum? Is it that some of these fascists from prior posts can not laugh, or can not stand critism? Even Qazi Hussain Ahmed is quoted as watching it on TV! http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46384Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:41:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46384Robert Freeman, Columbia. MD.It's a big wide wonderful world we all live in and there's room enough for all different kinds of people. Relax, sit back and have a good laugh. It's just entertainment. Enjoy it for what it is.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46385Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:41:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46385Jeff, New YorkBegum Nawazish Ali is simply awesome. The person with lady attire and the heart of a man. Saw clips on Youtube interviewing celebrities, politicians and high profile socialites like Sheikh Raseed the politician/play boy of pakistan, Umar Shareef a top sharp tongue comedian to Hard line Mullahs like Naimatullah Khan. All get well spanked and flirted on national TV by begum(Lady). She is divorced and looking for upper class discrete love.. lol just brilliant!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46395Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:49:20 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46395Love it, Charlotte, NCI notice all the Arab sounding names are not happy with the show. Lighten up and realize not everything is life or death. To Noor Malik in Atlanta, Georgia, you said that "No country in the world has this kind of low -value program", you are in the US, have you ever watched TV in the US?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46398Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:51:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46398ryan, toronto, canadawut is Noor Malik of Atlanta Georgia saying about pakistan known as a islamic country with strong economic and military power? wahahahhahahahaha.... sorry to say but you are just making people laugh... your military power is not even par with india(your arch-enemy). your economics? i have nothing to say...if you ask me what i know about pakistan? my impression is, you're a haven of terrorists, a land of primitive religious beliefs, a country who have to suck up to US because they know if they don't , they'll be bombed back to stone age!!!hahahahha...oh and did you know that the world knows that you guys stinx.....hahahahaahhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46399Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:53:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46399SI strongly object to one comment that Indian & Pakistani men..." apparently can't accept a woman as a woman in the public eye." India & Pakistan both have had woman Prime Ministers which is more than what US can claim. Its the first time in US history that there is a woman speaker in the assembly. So please no generalization.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46412Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:58:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46412Shauna Milwaukee, WisconsinI think this is great! Good for him...I mean her...I mean... oh well. Nice job!!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46417Wed, 31 Jan 2007 18:59:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46417SM, NYCPakistan is not economic power..thats India. Dream on Noor Malik..Pakistan is about 50 years behind India. Anyways, this is a good thing. The more accepting that Pakistanis become, then the more tolerant and free the society will be.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46420Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:01:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46420straightchris, LondonBegum is a fraud with issues; one of them is his violence towards women. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46426Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:05:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46426Billybob, Tuscon, ArizonaIs this for real? I thought the Muslim community would never allow this. I can't believe this is what the world has come to, I need to win the lottery so I can go to an island an never read the news again..http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46433Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:08:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46433SYMA,DES MOINES,IAYOU GO GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!ATLEAST SHE HAS THE GUTS TO COME UP ON TV AND SHOW THE REAL HER,OTHERWISE PEOPLE LIKE HIM ARE LIVING A MISERABLE LIFE IN PAKISTAN B/C OUR SOCIETY DO NOT EXCEPT THEM.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46461Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:26:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46461Samuel, New JersyKind of interesting. What is important is that the Islamic world needs to waken up from their deep dreams to know that there are different people who do not stick to their "....." ideology and their God. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46464Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:28:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46464Bryan, Los Angeles, CAHey I gotta give props to Begum Ali, pakistan needs to open their horizons and see that no matter what kind of person they are, that they can hold a candle like an ordinary man hosting a talk show. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46482Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:36:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46482Chirac Dean, Washington, DCJust goes to show that pakistan is nowhere as fanatic as is portrayed by contemporary media. My friends from pakistan (of both gender) have been among the most fun loving people I have known, with superb wit. One of them told me that they call their president Musharraf, "Busharraf" because of his close alliance wiith our President - I think that is hilarious! Also, for Mahesh: United nations does not have outstanding resolutions requiring plebiscite in California, so get real and perhaps then you live in peace.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46496Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:44:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46496Andrea, Atlanta, GAALL drag queens and TS/TV/CD stand up!!! And to all the people who love us, thank you !!!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46503Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:47:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46503kay,new yorkwho cares if he is a man in drag.!and so what he is doing it in a muslim country!!!!not all muslims are fanatics.im a muslim,i do not agree on most things that are happening in this world especially in u.s. it doesnt mean that im going to judge you and hate you for being gay or whatever. people need to stop listening to the media and start to open their eyes.its like theyre beeing controled by ropes.especilly in the south!!! PLEASE!ignorance sucks!!!!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46505Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:48:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46505RTThe world needs TOLERANCE not intolerance. It never ceases to amaze me how the extreme macho right in America has so much in common with the islamic fanatics. Conservative does not have to mean intolerant...http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46508Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:52:13 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46508TaniaFirst, to SM, NYC "Pakistan is not economic power..thats India", sorry buddy, you're on the wrong forum, this isn't the India vs Pak debate. Secondly,I am a Pakistani woman and it's saddening to see that all negative comments have been from other Pakistani's. The point isn't whether Begum is a man or a woman or what saree she's wearing. The point that someone has the "b*lls" to SAY IT LIKE IT IS, and provide laughter in the process. It's high time that Pakistan rids itself of wannabe "mullahs" who secretly eye the 14 yr old girl living next door while preaching the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). At the same time, for Ben of Phoenix, it is not "these morons (who).. proclaim some divine inspiration from a murdering/sexual deviant Mohammad going around killing anyone pro-western" who applaud this show, but rather liberal Muslims who believe in focusing on the REAL issues in the world who applaud the show.Please be respectful of other people's religious beliefs even if you don't believe in them. I'm not defaming your religion, don't say crap about mine. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46517Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:00:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46517bh, St. Louis, MOIt's the top rated show. Advertisement costs peak. Begum is recruited from the competition. Blogs are written. Call it what you want, it's a success. . We need more people like this in the to stimulate dialogue, educate people and break down the barriers of ignorance. Look at biases reflected above. Sexuality, religion, nationality, humor, entertainment, politics. Thanks to everyone, even the ignorant twits. HAhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46526Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:03:08 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46526Jackie ZimmermanAfter reading comments I am amazed it has generated so much discussion - it's just not that important. Growing pains for each country are reflected in the media, so good for the program! As for those outside of Pakistan that are Muslim or Pakistani, get a grip! This is not the country of your youth, if you were even born there, most are 2nd and 3rd generations living in other countries. You are enjoying the benefits of a country other than Pakistan, so don't make comments to those IN Pakistan flexing their media wings. Go for it - remember Benny Hill??? geezhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46527Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:05:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46527Amarillo, tXI'd love to see a clip where she hooks up with rupaul!!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46531Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:09:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46531Jennifer, San Antonio, Tx"I think Begum Nawazish Ali inspires women in particular because she is a strong, glamorous, opinionated woman who is unafraid of saying what she thinks and of flirting with men if she feels like it," explained Saleem. The women there are afraid to say what they think for a reason.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46549Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:21:48 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46549Christine, AlaskaWhat is the point of all of this? You have a bi sexual male in women's clothing. BORING! I couldn't give 2 roosters posing as hens in a hen house about this person! Please MSNBC, put something a little more tasteful on your news site since I am sure you are noticing you are losing a large part of your reader ... this is just a load of crap! http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46575Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:38:10 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46575Moemin, Springfield, Virginia.Hindus living in North America (i.e.Redmond 7 NYC who responded to this article missed the point of this interesting article and instead focussed on words like Indian Administered Kashmir or if Pakistan is an Economic Power. Do not forget that Pakistan is a Nuclear Power with its nukes aimed at Indian cities to respond to any treats from its enemies like India and Israel. If India is 50 year ahead economically I wonder how far ahead India will be after one nuclear strike from this weak neighbor. Kashmir has been brutally occupied for past 60 years by Indian forces against wishes of its majority Muslim population. There was no reason to make this article political but since some of the Hindus readers felt to bring it up I had to make things clear for other readers. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46579Wed, 31 Jan 2007 20:40:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46579Mike H., Allendale, NJMahesh from Redman, Washington said in her comment that MSNBC needs to correct its article because there is no such thing as an "Indian-administered Kashmir." Actually Masesh, it is you that needs to correct your comment. Kashmir is internationally recognised as having three seperatly administered geographic areas, one by Pakistan, one by India, and one by People's Republic of China...Get your facts straight Masesh.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46616Wed, 31 Jan 2007 21:03:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46616Billythis is an answer to Ben from AZ Pakistan is not in the middle east MR.WELL EDUCATED. And those morons with some divine inspiration never murdered 20 million native americans,15-20million African slaves,anihilated all of the inhabitants in Argentina[that is South America by the way] read a little about the conquistadores and what they did in the name of JESUS,YES A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE would do you good. But that was not enough,the new civilised world in Europe ,particularly England and France went on to colonise,murder and rape all of Africa,India,S.E. Asia,the middle-east,Australia and countless islands,all of this in the name of christianity and civilisation.And then again i can be a moron and stupid following your line of thinking and say that hitler had some divine inspiration from Jesus since he was a christian. Denigrating and putting down other religions and what people beleive in just wrong and the thinking of bigots. What's right is that Ben rimes with no brain.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46631Wed, 31 Jan 2007 21:12:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46631STEVEN ROMAN, KUWAIT CITY, KUWAITWAY TO GO NBC. PURE CRAP. DOES ANYONE CARE ABOUT THIS? http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46665Wed, 31 Jan 2007 21:37:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46665Angela, Wheat Ridge, ColoradoThe point of all this, Christine in Alaska (and Aaron Johnson), is to inform readers about what's happening in another part of the world. It's to present, albeit in microcosm, a look at societal developments in a foreign country. It's to offer a window on a different culture. News is more than 15 second sound bites or what can be gleaned from the scrolling headlines at the bottom of a television screen. Context is important! No 'news-worthy' event occurs in a vacuum.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46674Wed, 31 Jan 2007 21:44:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46674Rehan, KSIts a TV Show people. But its so amazing how "some" people from most educated society responded. I think these people like the show but cannot live with its popularity and specially coz its from PAKISTAN :: Specially Ben of Phoenix HA HA i think we should all condemn this stupid person and i think he watch JERRY SPRINGER show and i remember i saw him on jerry Springer show with his Mother n everybody knows what happened there ........ Pakistan is always a Moderate Islamic country there has been numerous TV shows in which Men has dressed like Women, Umar Sharif, Moin Akhter, Ata Shah Khan and more.. These types of shows are widely accepted in Pakistan and i think as long there is no Nudity in it and it has never been. Anyway TV shows are for information, Education and Entertainment. Billybob will always going to stay in Arizona coz of his mentality. M, NYC Wrote:: If this is the best thing to watch on Pakistani TV than pakistanis need to watch a new TV show. A man in drag is anything but entertaining after the first hour. Pakistani people would like to know or get some suggestions from you that what kind of TV shows you watch in the US ?? http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46701Wed, 31 Jan 2007 22:07:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46701aall of the above disgusts me! there is so much going on in this world today, and this is what people focus on. America is one bit load of crap waiting to be flushed... there is no country like this one with more bixesuals,gays, drugs, prostitution, murder,corruption, etc, etc, etc and it all starts from way above and involving the most influential politial faces of this country, of this "big land of opportunities", setting examples for the young by televising it all!! i think america should fix its own problems and concentrate in making our own better, and stop worrying about the issues of other countries, then perhaps we could someday get up in front of the world and actually be respected and heardhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46718Wed, 31 Jan 2007 22:17:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46718Saina Mirza, NY, NYFunny, the only way Pakistan can accept a woman is if she is really a man. Go figure, nothing really has changed.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46719Wed, 31 Jan 2007 22:17:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46719CarlOur muslim brothers and sisters get a little hot under the tunic when a story like this gets reported. They want tolerance for themselves, but they dont seem to reciprocate.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46726Wed, 31 Jan 2007 22:28:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46726JC, IowaMSNBC, This is definitely a great commic relief in a world full of sad news. Pop culture is a good way to gain insight into another world. Thank you!http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46729Wed, 31 Jan 2007 22:30:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46729Pakistanihttp://video.google.com/url?vidurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DJUa7JVazj4w&docid=2686039996815871884&ev=v&esrc=sr3&usg=AL29H20TnPd939u2IlXHYJqeqU3P4FUvmwhttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46750Wed, 31 Jan 2007 22:54:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46750Fahad Hussain, NYI think he/she is doing a great job. Some of the westerners and many of the easterners are sounding too steretype for me, here. I beleive she has the right to do wahtever as long as she is in her space and not hurting others(at least something has started somewhere westerners!)! (and why do u Indians and Pakistanis, always start fighting on every bloody discussion form,bugger off!)http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46760Wed, 31 Jan 2007 23:09:51 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46760Ahmed SaleemTransvetism and homosexuality is actually quite common in Pakistan, specially the North-western region. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46796Wed, 31 Jan 2007 23:54:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46796AHII am a liberal Pakistani male. Begum Nawazish is newsworthy because s/he is a great success on tv, among the most popular tv icons in the 6th most populous country in the world. She is a success not because she is a novelty (transvestism has always been around in South Asia and there is a community of them throughout called the hijras), but because she's also really witty and playfully mocks all the politicians on her show. She is scathingly critical of Busharraf, who happens to be a dictator, in a disarmingly coquettish way. The article today is newsworthy, because she has declared her candidacy in the next general election. If Dame Edna were to run as an MP, trust me, the BBC would be covering it (perhaps not MSNBC). For all you a**holes out there who think s/he or the show is un-Islamic or amoral/immoral for any other reason, you can shove it. Pakistan was not created as the Islamic Republic. It became so 6 yrs after its creation and those of our grandparents who fought for the country have been betrayed. It was meant to be a secular country. An Islamic 'Republic' is an oxymoronic concept. So, frankly, is an 'Islamic' nation state. If you want to live in the time of the Prophet, build yourself a time machine and travel to 632 AD and stop polluting the internet. If you can't build a time machine, you should consider suicide because the Caliphate ain't happening again (inshallah).http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46831Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:38:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46831JeffOnce again several Americans (and their lack of geo-political knowledge) have confused Iraq/Afghanistan/Iran/Pakistan and their differing cultures. I wonder, do these people confuse Canada with Mexico? And what's with condemning a show you've not seen? You might find it humorous if you saw what the actor is doing with the role.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46845Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:54:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46845fortune tellerWe all love the show ,mostly the hard work of the producer,I suspect. It's clever, entertaining and fun. Ali Saleem should never go into politics,he will be trapped,he also has far too many skeletons in the closet! I predict he will move forward by going backwards and it will be with the love of another http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#46993Thu, 01 Feb 2007 03:14:49 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:46993D. Daruwala, New York City, NYBegum Nawazish Ali is a breath of fresh air in the stifling atmosphere created by the army-sustained mullahs. She has got my vote.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#47151Thu, 01 Feb 2007 07:40:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:47151aliGo Girl, Miss Ali G of Pakihttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#47220Thu, 01 Feb 2007 13:24:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:47220Chris MicthellYa'll need to get a grip. It's a television show not a political statement. The actor is very good at what s/he does and G*d knows we need all the humor we can find, so ya'll just chill and enjoy the show.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#47235Thu, 01 Feb 2007 13:37:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:47235AP, Reading, UKGood for the Begum...! People like Moemin from Springfield only help the world understand the real threat from Pakistan with all the sabre-rattling and nuclear blackmail noises. Why doesnt the country concentrate on bolstering its economic and cultural significance in the global arena, rather than waste time obsessing about obliterating India, a rising superpower, which has an incredible identity, and is not defined by hate and Kashmir? Pathetic. Yes, India does not have a first-strike policy but if it does retort, there wont be any more strikes or anymore anything from the other end. Period. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#47264Thu, 01 Feb 2007 13:54:06 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:47264Daniel R. ZaboskiIsn't this specisl? They are taking after the American Television producers. Advocating this devious life style and calling it normal. What comes next?http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#47364Thu, 01 Feb 2007 14:45:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:47364fortune tellerBegum Ali will receive a birthday message from New York and he will journey here soonafter,he is much loved and must remember thishttp://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#48028Thu, 01 Feb 2007 22:42:38 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:48028CJ Miami, FlAmazing how a simple TV show can spark such exchange. Sad to see that there is still so much intolerance, ignorance and narrow minded people in the world. There is no wonder that the world is upside down and in shambles. To the Americans writing, you cannot point a finger to the arab world regarding intolerance when we have it alive and well in our country. The same goes for the arabs in their own turf. For the christians who say they believe in God, remember that HE is the one that will be doing the judging on judgement day, not YOU. And for the muslims, I dont know much about your religion, but I am sure it teaches love and respect for others and there are few bad apples that it gives it a bad name by misinterpreting the religion.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#48119Fri, 02 Feb 2007 01:08:17 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:48119Aamir Alithe "Begum" is an amusing character. He/She is also harmless. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#48129Fri, 02 Feb 2007 01:18:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:48129husain otherwise known as Micky Mouse!Everyone seems to have missed the punchline in this report. The character wants to become a politician as his alter ego ,begum nawazish,I was unaware that fictitious characters could stand for election in any country,the credits at the end of the popular show state that the character begum nawazish ali is fictional. Does this mean I can file a tax return under the name of my alter ego, or stand for parlimentary election in a false name? I don't think so! The clip of the show indeed looks very amusing and entertaining but the character's political ambitions are childish and misguided.Just because he is confided in by a few women on their marital problems does not give credance to political ability, being a politician is not being an agony aunt. http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#48220Fri, 02 Feb 2007 04:14:11 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:48220Ahsan Kamal, Islamabad, PakistanThe writer of this article has exagerated quite a lot. This program airs on a small and less popular saellite channel, one of scores of Pakistani TV channels and there is no way in the world that he can be described as the biggest star in Pakistan. Besides, he was witty initially but now seems to have run out of ideas and the show has become quite boring now. What is described as flirting and sexual inuendo by teh writer is more of a figment of his imagination because from western standards, this program is pretty innocent and will certainly get a 'G' or All Audience rating if aired in the west. And as the article reported, the religous parties are quite good natured about this program simply because reality is completely different from the stereotypes the western media creates. For the indian guy who is so pissed at the term 'indian administered kashmir', my commiserations !! But your beef is with the UN because this is the official term UN uses for indian occupied Kashmir.http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#48370Fri, 02 Feb 2007 14:50:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:48370NADEEM, ATLANTA, GA.I think my Friend Mahesh from Richmond,Va..is right its NOT Indian adminstered Kashmir, its."INDIAN OCCUPIED KASHMIR"......http://worldblog.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2007/01/31/45890.aspx#54767Tue, 13 Feb 2007 01:21:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:54767Hephaestion, Washington DC, USBravo to Begum Nawazish Ali! If the world had more drag queens and fewer soldiers, we would have peace and sanity. I am shocked by those who see some problem with Begum. What possible harm does he cause? None. None at all. He makes people laugh and forget their worries. If you ask me, that makes him the most godly man in Pakistan.