lahore lahore hai

7/29/2019 Lahore Lahore Hai

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Lahore, Lahore Hai!

Shaikh Muhammad Ali


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pg. 1

The main plot:

The first time I went toLahorewas in 1978 when I was in 8th Grade and yes

indeed I am old specie now which has been on planet earth for some years

whom you will not be able to get rid of, easily and in the near future too. So now

that you are stuck with me, I might as well tell you another story of my life andtake you down memory lane

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore

I was 14 then and to date refuse to grow beyond that age, at least mentally.

Good old days; indeed. I fell in love with her.No No! With Lahore, I would

hasten to add before your fantasies go on a roller coaster ride.

For someone that age, coming fromKarachi; Lahore was a different ball game

altogether. I was brought on excursion, in a train; by my father and my younger

of the two sisters also accompanied me. And we went around and celebratedLahore. The roads were clean, minimal traffic, travel and food cheap and we

had FUN. And boy, Lahorites did believe in two things then; one having fun and

the other eating. I dont know about the first one now but eating. Oh my God!

They are born to eat and eat they do.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karachihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karachihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karachihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karachihttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore


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pg. 2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore

I remember visiting theLahore Fort, theBadshahi mosque, the tomb ofSir Allama

Muhammad Iqbal, theMinar-e-Pakistan, theShalimar Bagh(gardens), the

mausoleum ofJahangir, the tomb ofAsif Jah, theLawrence garden, the

Anarkali, theLahore zoo, theLahore museum, theMall Roadand theCanal; the

Neher which runs through Lahore and is the life and blood of the city. I even

remember taking a dip with my cousins in the canal and trust me it was not dirty

then and buffaloes were barred to swim around freely back then. We would

have Kukkar Cholay (Chicken with beans), a strange dish for us Karachiites at

the Liberty roundabout, go haveMango Shakeat a famous shop on the Mall

and then would finally go to the Lawrence garden to watch beautiful girls play

tennis wearing shorts. Oh Lahore of those days, how badly do I miss you!

I was there maybe for a week during the first visit and this love affair grew over

the years. I went there again with Mom in 1980 when my Khala (Mothers cousin)

died, yet again in 1982 to get a visa forSaudi Arabiaand then again in 1984 for

excursion and in 1986 for the same reason. Lahore kept on calling me and I kept

on visiting her like a young lover boy!

Between 1988 to 1995; I was abroad and went moon lighting in other countriesbut somehow the first love remained as first love and I would always crave for

another chance to go see my woman, Lahore. Laughter! Karachi and Lahore

could not become husband and wife but the love affair continues to this day

and I have come to terms with the fact that love at first sight can indeed waste

a lot of time and money. Chuckles
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Forthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Forthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Forthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badshahi_Mosquehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badshahi_Mosquehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badshahi_Mosquehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Iqbalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Iqbalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Iqbalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Iqbalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minar-e-Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minar-e-Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minar-e-Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shalimar_Gardens_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shalimar_Gardens_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shalimar_Gardens_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jahangirhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jahangirhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jahangirhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asif_Jahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asif_Jahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asif_Jahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_gardenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_gardenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_gardenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarkali_Bazaarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarkali_Bazaarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Zoohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Zoohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Zoohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Museumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Museumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Museumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mall_Road,_Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mall_Road,_Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mall_Road,_Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Canalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Canalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Canalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mango_Shakehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mango_Shakehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mango_Shakehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saudi_Arabiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mango_Shakehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Canalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mall_Road,_Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Museumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Zoohttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarkali_Bazaarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawrence_gardenhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asif_Jahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jahangirhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shalimar_Gardens_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minar-e-Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Iqbalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad_Iqbalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badshahi_Mosquehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Forthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore


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pg. 3

In 2002, I moved toIslamabadthe beautiful and initially started working for the

Ministry of Science and Technology(MoST) and was subsequently transferred to

theHigher Education Commission(HEC), an organization which has given me

Islamabad and the reason to stay here and thank you HEC for that

We drove to Lahore again in mid Jan. 2009 to show the kids around. Adil (myolder son) was 10 years old then and had already developed a liking for history

and geography. I took my family around to the Lahore Fort, the Badshahi

mosque, theFortress stadium, tried going toWagahborder but failed miserably

due to the big traffic jam atMughalpura. We were there for three days and this

is the best we could have done.

On the way back from Lahore, I realized thatSheikhupurawas nearby and since

I had heard thatHiran Minar(Deer Minaret) was tucked away in a little corner

there so I turned my cars steering and while taking directions from the cats,

dogs and any souls on the street; I ended up at Sheikhupura and we saw theHiran Minarwhich stood there in its grandeur; its aura; its rhapsody; awe inspired

I stood there for minutes altogether; appreciating the beauty that was.

Come July 2012; I was invited by a close to heart friend in Lahore i.e. Cdr. Azam

Khan; a senior research fellow and a faculty member at theNavy War College

to come speak on the topic of Public Speaking on 7th Sept. 2012. Although, I

have never spoken on this particular subject but was provoked by the invitation

to go study this subject and how could I have said no to such a wonderful friend

who is also a mentor. Cdr. Azam Khan; if I may is Qutub-e-Lahore and his heart

bleeds not just for Lahore but for the entire country.

(I am signing the visitors book @ the Pakistan Navy War College, Lahore)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Science_and_Technology_(Pakistan)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Science_and_Technology_(Pakistan)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higher_Education_Commission_of_Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higher_Education_Commission_of_Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higher_Education_Commission_of_Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortress_Stadium_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortress_Stadium_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortress_Stadium_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughalpurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughalpurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughalpurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheikhupurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheikhupurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheikhupurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiran_Minarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiran_Minarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiran_Minarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan_Navy_War_Collegehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan_Navy_War_Collegehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan_Navy_War_Collegehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistan_Navy_War_Collegehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hiran_Minarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheikhupurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mughalpurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortress_Stadium_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higher_Education_Commission_of_Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Science_and_Technology_(Pakistan)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamabad


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pg. 4

He is a prolific writer and his writings which have become controversially popular

lately; catches us by the hair and rubs our face in the sand. Through his writings,

he shows us the mirror and we stand ashamed at the petty level we have fallen

to. TheNews International,DAWNandThe Nationcarries his short articles; off

and on and he continues to hammer down the message of the famous saint

Abul Hassan Ali Hajveryfamously know as Data Ganj Baksh, the caretaker of

Lahore!

I had taken permission from HEC and was officially invited by the Pakistan Navy

War College and allowed by HEC to conduct the workshop there, thus taking a

day off on Friday 7th Sept. 2012, i.e. the day of the workshop and subsequently

we left for Lahore (my first love) around 5:00 p.m. with my family via theM2

Motorway.

(A signboard on the M-2 Motorway)

We stop at Chakri at 5:40 p.m. for tea. Say our Maghreb prayers close to

Chakwalat 6:25 p.m. We reach Lillah at 7:20 p.m.,Bheraat 7:28 p.m. and Salem

at 7:40 precisely. We pass throughBhabraat 7:50 p.m. and touchPindi Bhattian

at 8:33 p.m. We pass throughHafizabadat 8:54 p.m. and stop at Sixty point

nearSheikhupuraat 9:10 p.m. and offer ourIsha prayers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_News_Internationalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_News_Internationalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_News_Internationalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawn_(newspaper)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawn_(newspaper)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawn_(newspaper)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nation_(Pakistan)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nation_(Pakistan)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nation_(Pakistan)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_Ganj_Bakshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_Ganj_Bakshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorways_of_Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorways_of_Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorways_of_Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorways_of_Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chakwalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chakwalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bherahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bherahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bherahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhabrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhabrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhabrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pindi_Bhattianhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pindi_Bhattianhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pindi_Bhattianhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hafizabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hafizabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hafizabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheikhupurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheikhupurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheikhupurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isha%27ahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isha%27ahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isha%27ahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheikhupurahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hafizabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pindi_Bhattianhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhabrahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bherahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chakwalhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorways_of_Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorways_of_Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_Ganj_Bakshhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Nation_(Pakistan)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dawn_(newspaper)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_News_International


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pg. 5

(Sabeen is making Tea somewhere near Sheikhupura)

We finally reach Lahore at 9:30 p.m. and reach the rendezvous around 10:00p.m. which was close toWaltonairport.

Our host, Commander Mahmood Ahmed received us and arranged for our

executive suite and our dinner. He made us feel at home and we retired right

after dinner quite tired.

The next morning being the D-Day and a Friday; I was escorted around 8:00

a.m. to the Navy War College Auditorium where I addressed a group of around

85 Army, Navy and Air Force officers mostly fromPakistanand a few from other

11 brotherly countries.

(Receiving the Plaque from the Deputy Commandant of the War College)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walton_Cantonmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walton_Cantonmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walton_Cantonmenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pakistanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walton_Cantonment


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pg. 6

The topic of my workshop was Speaking, Reading and Writing which lasted for

around 4.5 hours or so. It was a wonderful audience of extremely disciplined

officers between the ranks ofMajortoBrigadiers.

(A closer view of the plaque)

We then said ourJuma prayersin the local mosque and then Commander

Azam Khan arranged the Commandants car and we were driven to the Old

Lahore.

(The family posing at the Lahore Fort)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majorhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigadierhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigadierhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigadierhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumu%27ahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumu%27ahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumu%27ahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumu%27ahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brigadierhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major


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pg. 7

We first visited theLahore Fort. Since I wanted my children to appreciate the

history of the Fort thus I hired an official guide to take us around and learnt

things about the fort which I also did not.

(At the starting point of the Lahore Fort tour)

We spent some good 3+ hours touring around the fort.

(We are posing at the Diwan-e-Khaas)

We visited theDiwan-e-Aamand theDiwan-e-Khaas. We also visited theShishMahal.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Forthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Forthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Forthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwan-e-Aam#D.C4.ABw.C4.81n-e-.C4.80mhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwan-e-Aam#D.C4.ABw.C4.81n-e-.C4.80mhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwan-e-Aam#D.C4.ABw.C4.81n-e-.C4.80mhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwan-e-Aam#D.C4.ABw.C4.81n-e-.C4.80mhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwan-e-Aam#D.C4.ABw.C4.81n-e-.C4.80mhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwan-e-Aam#D.C4.ABw.C4.81n-e-.C4.80mhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheesh_Mahal_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheesh_Mahal_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheesh_Mahal_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheesh_Mahal_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheesh_Mahal_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheesh_Mahal_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwan-e-Aam#D.C4.ABw.C4.81n-e-.C4.80mhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwan-e-Aam#D.C4.ABw.C4.81n-e-.C4.80mhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Fort


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pg. 8

(The history of the Shish Mahal)

We spent some good time at the Shish Mahal and walked around the placeenjoying the beauty of the Mahal (Palace) and capturing some more pictures

for our memories.

(A beautiful view of the Minar-e-Pakistan from the Fort)

We later had snacks and tea at the Fort garden right next to theMoti mosque

and then rushed out.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moti_Masjid,_Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moti_Masjid,_Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moti_Masjid,_Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moti_Masjid,_Lahore


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pg. 9

(We were here too)

Sabeen and Ayesha were tired and went back to the car while I took the boys

around in theBadshahi Mosque. We could barely catch the last Rakaat ofZuhr

prayers. We then moved around in the mosque and came back and joined the

rest of the family in the car that was waiting to rush us back.

(The kids enjoying the rides @ the amusement park around the Fortress stadium)

I took the family to theFortress stadiumin the evening. The kids enjoyed the ridesetc. while we had dinner at one of the fast food joints there and returned home

by 11:00 p.m. and retired.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badshahi_Mosquehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badshahi_Mosquehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badshahi_Mosquehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zuhrhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zuhrhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zuhrhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortress_Stadium_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortress_Stadium_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortress_Stadium_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortress_Stadium_(Lahore)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zuhrhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badshahi_Mosque


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pg. 10

(Ayesha posing with her Dolly)

The next morning we first went to the Mall close to the Jail Road where the

children first enjoyed games & rides in the amusement park, we then celebrated

Ayeshas 7th Birthday and then rushed back to rest and get dressed for the

Wagah trip.

(The children outside the mall, posing)


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pg. 11

(The command over the English language always brings a smile on your face)

(Ayeshas birthday was celebrated here)


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pg. 12

(And we go riding)

(Mamma enjoying the car race too)


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pg. 13

(Enjoying a light moment together)

(The birthday girl goes for a ride)


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pg. 14

(The birthday girl cutting her cake at the Executive suite)

Later around 3 p.m., Commander Mahmoods family took ours to theWagaharea where we share our border withIndia. Although, I have been visiting

Lahoresince 1978 but could never make it to the Wagah border.

(We are @ the Wagah Border now)

Going there with the Navy personnel was no less than travelling as royalty. Our

seats were booked upfront while we enjoyed the charged up atmosphere

which is created to entertain the crowds on both the sides of the fence.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagahhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahorehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wagah


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pg. 15

(The festive crowd in the stands)

We were treated to a hot cup of tea and snacks after the session. Later, we alsowalked up to a point where we could actually come face to face with the

people who we classify as our enemy number one.

(Our families sitting upfront)

It was such a shame to look them in the eye and realizing that they were

nothing but our extension and us; theirs. They almost speak the same language,

have the same color of skin and wear the same clothes.


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pg. 16

(An enthusiast waving the National flag)

Many of us were caught with tears in our eyes with our jaws dropping, our hearts

pumping fast. It was such a dichotomy that there was a metal chain dividing us

brothers and sisters.

(The Ranger boys in their full colors)

They wereHindus, usMuslimsboth born and programmed to hate each other.

No more no less. What a shame, some farce!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindushttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslimshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslimshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslimshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslimshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindus


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pg. 17

(The Indian side of the border could be seen from here)

I still dropped a tear again when I write this scribble while five months have

passed. I felt so little, so ashamed. We waved at each other.

(Life looks greener on the other side of the fence)

My wife didNamasteto a few elderly ladies and they greeted us withAssalam-

u-Alaikum.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namastehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namastehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namastehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assalam-u-alaikumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assalam-u-alaikumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assalam-u-alaikumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assalam-u-alaikumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assalam-u-alaikumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assalam-u-alaikumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namaste


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pg. 18

(With my host of the evening, Commander Mahmood)

We felt so cheated by the politicians, the maulvis and the army which keeps us

at bay, at daggers drawn. If theBerlin wallcan fall then why cant we go to

India freely and they visit us. I am out of words again!

(The kids posing with Sherdil from Mianwali)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Wallhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Wallhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Wallhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Wall


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pg. 19

(And the show thus came to an end)

We finally ended up visiting the Hyperstar Mart with Commander Mahmoods

family where we had a quick shopping and browsing session.

(At the Hyperstar)

Later in the evening, I was invited by my host i.e. Commander Azam Khan at

one of his most favorite restaurant i.e. Go Go whereby we had a sumptuous

meal and discussed the days events and our helplessness regarding which sideof the border are we pegged.


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pg. 20

(With my mentor and host, Commander Azam Khan)

We come to our make shift home again around 11:00 p.m., offered our Isha

prayers and retire again while being thankful to God for his countless blessings.

The next morning we got up early, had breakfast and after saying goodbye to

our loving and caring hosts; leave forIslamabadwhile reaching here around 4-5

p.m.

(Country roads take me home)

We bring back strong memories from this trip and since could not visitAnarkali

Bazaar,Data Durbar, theLahore museumand Cuckoos nest; thus this would

give us another reason to go visit my first love again.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamabadhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarkali_Bazaarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarkali_Bazaarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarkali_Bazaarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_Durbar_Complexhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_Durbar_Complexhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_Durbar_Complexhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Museumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Museumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Museumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lahore_Museumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_Durbar_Complexhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarkali_Bazaarhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamabad


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(The kids taking a break at Chakri while we enjoyed a hot cup of tea)

Post Script:

Seduced by simply wandering around and bitten by the travel bug, I have been

to many countries and that has helped me appreciate how much my own has

to offer.

I have enjoyed street food, which my close to fifty stomach does not easily

accept anymore and the culinary delights in swanky eateries in Karachi, Lahore,

Islamabad, Havana, London and New York. I have met people from different

parts of the planet and have thoroughly cherished their company.

An experience which I had not once but many times was when strangersinsisted that I broke bread with them. I did sometimes. The food was not always

to my liking but the heartwarming hospitality more than made up for it.

In my passionate maturity, it is always a happy surprise to find that, if a woman is

available; there is no shortage of men in Pakistan and lastly my ideal of beauty is

embodied in the daughter of the liquor shops owner in old Lahore, with her

Valkyrian breasts and epic buttocks.

I need to get out of here, fast before all hell breaks lose

Shaikh Muhammed Ali

E-mail:[email protected]

Cell: +00-92-321-5072996

11th February, 2013, 20:59 (PST)
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