Analysis of the Activities of Fake Spiritual Healers in Pakistan

Abstract

Spiritual healing has historical connotations but its recent upsurge in Pakistan has been discussed with focus on the primary factors that include illiteracy, poor economic conditions, sense of insecurity and irresponsible role of media. The activities of these fake healers, such as sexual harassment, rape, threats and attacks, and money extraction have been analyzed in the context of five different cases. This study is mainly primary nature based on interviews with media executives and academician. However, it is recommended that improving media’s role, ameliorating economic conditions, reducing sense of insecurity, bringing down illiteracy and changing the attitudes of the people in general can diminish the role of these so called healers in society.