By Nissar H. Gilani
Pakistan Travel diary I have visited Pakistan four times in the year 1983, 1990, 1991 and lastly in 2006 in order to meet my close relatives. But the imprint of the maiden trip undertaken in December 1983 is deeply rooted in any mind and will remain so till I breath my last.
I am of the firm belief that god had destined my trip to that country for memorable things to happen right inside the Pakistan border. During my first visit in a bewitching coincidence I got introduced to a well-dressed, young and smart custom officer Pir Nasir-u-din of shadman colony Lahore.
As somebody has very rightly said, quote, ‘every one you meet is a part of your Journey, but not all of them are meant to say in your life. Some people are just passing through to bring you gifts, either they are blessings or lessons.’’ Un quote.
For me the memorable meeting with this young man then are both blessing and lesson. We have stayed friends for almost 40 years, and will continue to be ‘Inshallha’ “Yar Zinda sobhut baqi.”
HOW WE MET
“Courtesy, respect and professionalism are most important components of a diplomatic protocol. Mr. Qureshi, second secretary in Pakistan Embassy at new Delhi (Nov.83) who looked a seasoned, diplomat reacted in a different way, while handing over my passports endorsed with short term visa to Pakistan with police report exempted.
My close relative Mr. Majid Bihauqi, who had booked an appointment with the Officer, felt both happy and annoyed with the officers bipolar attitude. His unfortunate remarks about Kashmiris were not only unwarranted but unbecoming of a seasoned diplomat. I felt bad and left politely, and even refused his cup of coffee, thanked the officer for very thing and left. Latter I came to know that Mr. Qureshi because of his lack of diplomatic skills, an ineffective negotiator, and non-performer on all fronts, lost his promotion to an extraordinary brilliant and well deserved officer of Kashmir origin in Pakistan foreign services.
Any way’s my excitement for my maiden trip to Pakistan was the biggest dream. I and my family were going to Pakistan with all our hearts. our flight to Amritsar, from Srinagar in a chilly December was delayed by an hour, hence our schedule arrival was hampered. It was 1.15 p.m and city of Amritsar was overcast at the time of our landing. After finishing formalities, we proceeded to city, had hurriedly our lunch in a way side restaurant, followed by exchanging currency in the market from an authorized exchanger. 120 of Indian rupees fetched only 100 Rupees Pakistan currency. ( a complete reversal now). Hailed a cab,/ sat in eager anticipation. Within 30 minutes we we’re at Waga-Attari border. It was 3.40 pm the moment we entered immigration lounge. “Pakistan border will close shortly at 4.p.m IST”, you will have to rush to cross-over, said a medium built Sikh officer at the immigration, he further added, “Pakistan Gates will close in 3 – 4 minutes. “Please rush with porters carrying language”. We held our breath, and start running towards Pakistan side. We saw young officers on the other side signalling us to move Quickly. Near the Pakistan gates one of the official said to other, “oh, they are not the ones, I had come to receive, the other officer said, “Bichoo kuo annay duo’’ let the poor guys enter”. One of the officer in formal dress asked to us to show our passports. Upon seeing them, he kept on gazing us for some time. Are you from Kashmir? Yes, I replied. “Can’t believe”. He said. “your facial features do not match your Kashmiri brothers”. I was quick to reply ‘image is indeed in the eyes of the beholder’ after a small laugh we were asked to wait in a V.I.P lounge, followed by a refreshing cup of coffee, with snacks it was a soothing cup of coffee. Within minutes we were cleared of all the mandatory formalities. I thanked the officer for everything. As we were about to proceed to Lahore, he offered us a ride into Lahore city. Here I grew suspicious. How can a man, who is no way known to me, not even remotely, be so affectionate and friendly. Reluctantly with a smile, we accepted to ride his car down the city of Lahore. While driving, he introduced himself. I am pir Nasir–u-din of Kashmir origin, posted as custom officer, at the wagha border. I was over whelmed to see young Kashmiri family, well-educated and impressively dressed. Infact my friend Tahir puri, who was with me at the border had come to receive his sister, brother-in-law with two children this afternoon.
We mistook you for them. you had all the similarities with the arriving guests. The moment you arrived near our side, only then we realized that you were a different family. Anyway, where you have to go? He asked, “we are proceeding to Rawalpindi to see my grand aunt and other relations”. I replied. On way to Lahore, he showed us some important historical places, like Ichagahal canal, where indo-Pak Armies fought a pitched battles in 1965 war.
Upon arrival in Lahore city, pir Nasir-u-din straight took us to his home at 533 shaman colony, where he introduced us to his family, who received us warmly and offered lavish tea and snacks. We felt homely, cozy and comfortable with Pir Nasir’s family, and after some time I decided to move ahead to Rawalpindi as my grand aunt was waiting in eagerness. since the mobile services in the sub-content had not started, I had informed her through a trunk call from India about our date of travel and arrival. Pir Nasir insisted to stay for a night with his family, but my desire to see my grand aunt, whom I was meeting for the first time in my life stopped me to oblige my host. Understanding my emotional feelings, Pir Nasir-u-din, through reluctantly allowed me to proceed to Rawalpindi and dropped us at the general bus station Lahore and even paid fare for all of us in special air conditioned Japanese couch.
…..to be continued
Nissar Gilani can be reached at nisargilani57748@gmail.com
