The Muslim month of fasting is upon us and that means two things: the closure of food shops and a blackout of music channels on cable television. However the attempt to reconcile religious obligations with her professional career could prove fatal for one actress.

I was watching television yesterday and something caught my attention on Hero TV, which was promoting a “clemency” show to be hosted by Veena Malik, an actress known for her bold and provocative film roles and photo shoots.

“In the entire month of Ramadan, I will seek forgiveness for my sins and yours,” she said tearfully.

Malik received strong criticism from Pakistan media and clerics after participating in an Indian reality show in 2010. The Taliban even issued a death threat against her for violating Islamic religious codes of conduct.

Social media platforms were abuzz with talk of the previews for Malik’s latest show. The number of “dislikes” on YouTube far outstripped the number of “likes” for the promo spot.

A Facebook user even commented that the promo was “a mockery of Islam.” A recent poll conducted on the popular social networking site labeled her as the most sinful person in the country. Most Facebook users in Pakistan are between the ages of 18 and 24.

“If she leaves her previous sins, then it’s a genuine show. However if this is all a drama, then it’s another attempt to fund the destruction of our society,” said Amjad Saeed Rahimi, a leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, a Muslim political party, in response to the promo video.

Saeeda Deep, founder of the Institute of Peace and Secular Studies, said a professional actress had every right to host a religious show.

“It was her professional career and she did all that believing it was a job requirement. It was not a sin,” Deep said.

“The youngsters in our society have a pre-conceived mindset and are void of an original thought. We have created stereotypes whose measuring scale for a good or bad Muslim is inspired from the culture of Saudi Arabia,” he said.

Deep added that people expect an Islamic speaker to have a beard or be covered by a hat or veil.

“The channel may be in blind pursuit of ratings but the actress might be trying to re-enter Pakistani society using religion as a method.”

The spiritual exercises connected with holy seasons like Lent or Ramadan are meant to include all people: those who believe and those who have sinned.

But in Pakistan in particular, care must be taken when discussing matters of religion in public. Confusion arises when those who interpret religion do so without knowing much about it. Our country has seen some of the worst examples of such religious fanaticism in recent years.

Broadcasters preparing a host of Ramadan programming are treading a dangerous path. And Malik should take considerable care in the way she handles her show, as the whole Islamic nation will be watching closely.

Silent Thinker is the pseudonym of a Catholic commentator based in Lahore