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A Journey Off the Beaten Path

Posted by admin in Pakistan's Beauty, Pakistan-A Nation of Hope, PAKISTANIS LIGHT UP THE WORLD on April 22nd, 2014

A Journey Off the Beaten Path

36 Hours in Lahore, Pakistan

April 16, 2014 · by Paul · in Uncategorized

A popular travel column in the New York Times called “36 hours in…” has covered over 700 cities ranging from Bijiang, China to New Haven, Connecticut.
But never a city in Pakistan.
I am certainly not the New York Times, but wanted to make an attempt to change this by sharing a glimpse of my visit.
Saturday.

8am. Airplane. Teenagers.

“Where are you from?”
“America.”
“You’re going to get blown up!”

The exchange with the Pakistani teenager next to me does not begin well. Pakistan is best known in the West as the home of Osama bin Laden and the Taliban.

It was quite high on the “I cannot believe you’re going there” list.

Sensing the concern clouding my face, he breaks out into a wide grin.

“Just kidding, man. You’re going to love it here. You Americans have totally the wrong image of Pakistan. Lahore is the party capital of Pakistan! Let me know if you want to go out tonight.”

Turns out teenagers have the same sense of humor everywhere.

Party capital? Not words normally used to describe Pakistan, a “dry” country. Despite being technically illegal, it seemed alcohol might not be as taboo as one would think. Stereotypes begin to crumble.

Mountains on approach to Lahore.

9am. Lahore airport.

Crowds fill the immigration hall. Random people strike up conversation. Westerners are a novelty. Strangers offer Urdu lessons. My brain moves sluggishly after 40 hours without sleep. The hospitality is appreciated.

After breezing through immigration, a stocky, no-nonsense customs officer waves for a bag search. He barely glances at the large bag of malaria, cipro, and vitamin pills. My Clif bars, however, merit a thorough inspection. He tears one open and seems ready to have breakfast. After a quick sniff, he smiles, puts everything back in the bag, and waves me onward. Crisis averted.

10am. Garden city.

The first thing that strikes you about Lahore is that everything is green. Willowing trees and lush grass line the streets. A comfortable breeze envelopes the city.

The streets are quiet in my Cavalry Ground neighborhood. While taking photos and daydreaming, I experience my most dangerous moment yet in Pakistan: almost being hit by an ice cream vendor. Time to wake-up.

The mean green streets of Lahore.

11am. Caffeine and club sandwiches.

Sensing my jetlag, my host, Lahore blogger Mohammad Momekh, takes me to Gloria Jean’s for coffee. It’s like a Starbucks in America, minus the hipsters.

Lunch is at Mohammad’s. Instead of a traditional Pakistani meal, his wife prepares club sandwiches and french fries.

She considers it a proper meal for an American. When I decline a Coke, her shock is palpable. “You mean there are Americans who do not drink soda?!” Stereotypes can cut both ways.

1pm. Selfies and stereotypes.

We return to Gloria Jean’s to meet with a few local students, whose knowledge of world affairs is matched only by their eloquence.

How do Pakistanis think Americans perceive them?

“Americans think Pakistanis are uncivilized, very religious, gender segregated, terrorists who live in tents. Americans are friendly, but they have a very wrong image of us. They also eat a lot.”

“The media drives this image. They make everywhere in Pakistan seem unsafe. But most parts of the country are completely safe.”

What worries you?

“Getting blown up is the least of our problems. I stress about school, not bombs.”

“The SAT test. Why did America invent it?!”
“My FIFA skills. I will be practicing after this.”

What about gender segregation?

“In university, boys and girls hang out until 3am. This is normal.”
“Most schools are equal between boys and girls. But in fields like engineering, it is difficult to be female. As a girl, though, I can definitely have a career and be independent.”

Gender equality might not be quite the same as in the West, but some issues are universal.

Before leaving, the group suggests a group selfie for Snapchat. Both are popular. The Lahore McDonald’s worldwide single-day sales record is also mentioned. Some things are perhaps better confined to America.

My first selfie.

7pm. Real food.

One of the students invites us to visit his school, the Lahore University of Management Science. The campus would not have felt out of place in suburban America. Footlongs at the campus Subway restaurant are popular although there is no Pakistani version of Jared.

Round table discussion.

Mohammad and his wife Haleema invite me for a proper Pakistani dinner. Meals are extended, family-oriented affairs. Cousins, brothers, children, and grandparents all drop by and say hello. Around midnight, bed finally calls.

Sunday. Playing tourist.

8am. No rest for the weary.

A knock. “Time for breakfast!” I am still in a jetlagged stupor and have no idea where I am. For just one moment, I wish Pakistanis were less hospitable.

Noon. More lunches, more families.

Today Ali, a friend of a friend from business school, his wife Mehreen, and three children are my hosts. The first stop is lunch with their extended families. One relative seems startled. “I was just reading about this American coming to Pakistan on Facebook… is that you?!”

Small world.

Two topics come up: Islam and women.

A consensus view on Islam in Pakistan emerged, summed up by a quote from the father who teaches Koran classes:

“Many teachers have distorted Islam. It is often no longer direct from the Koran. Radical clerics have often changed Islam to suit their interests.”

The topic of women in Pakistan stirs passions. A few themes emerged.

Indignation on criticism. “How many female American presidents are there? Because we already elected a female prime minister twice.”
Discomfort with “role models”. Malala, the Pakistani girl shot by the Taliban, is viewed with respect. However, many express concern that she is the only Pakistani that many Americans know.

Cautious optimism. Many Pakistani women are entrepreneurs who run successful businesses. While some interpretations of Islam restrict women’s rights, a consensus emerged that the Koran teaches great respect for women.

Family lunch.

3pm. Wall of death.

Visit street carnival. Witness coolest and scariest sight in Pakistan: mot ka kuan, or literally, the wall of death. Two men drive old motorcycles along wall. Admission? 25 cents.

4pm. Border.

Experience flag lowering ceremony between two hostile, nuclear-armed enemies at Wagah Border, only one of two land borders between Pakistan and India. Both sides paradoxically thump their chests in perfect coordination. The soldiers ultimately shake hands and perform a synchronized lowering of flags.

Flag lowering ceremony.

6pm. Old city. Food Street.

Visit Lahore’s old city. Climb a minaret of the Wazir Khan mosque for stunning views. Visit the historic Lahore Fort. Experience the Badshahi Mosque, the 5th largest in the world with a capacity of 150,000 worshipers.

Finally, dinner on Lahore’s infamous pedestrian-only Food Street. Cuckoo’s, a Lahore institution, is a fine choice. As is the company: a lawyer who fights for the rights of Pakistanis detained in Afghanistan, a gym tycoon, and an education guru and fitness coach. Laughter and merriment are guaranteed.

Dinner on Food Street.

11pm. Post-dinner workout.

Just kidding. But we did swing by Reza’s gym to take a quick peek. He claims it gives Equinox a run for its money.

The bottom line

• Safety: Terrorist attacks have killed fewer than 20 people in Lahore since 2010. The same number of homicides occur in Detroit every two weeks. Detroit’s murder rate is 7X Lahore’s. Despite this, the US State Department advises against all non-essential travel to Pakistan. I personally never felt unsafe.

• Stereotypes: Like most places, these are often derived from a small population and applied to a large one. In Pakistan, people seemed keenly aware of their stereotypes and felt passionate about correcting what they considered grave misperceptions.

• Hospitality: Pakistani hospitality cannot be overstated. The entire country went out of the way to welcome me. Within a week of sharing my plan to visit, hundreds of Pakistanis invited me to their homes and cities across the country. My biggest regret is having only a week-long visa.

Pakistan welcomed me with open arms and hearts. Life seemed, in many ways, not so different than anywhere else in the world. Next time Islamabad, Karachi, and the mountains will all be on the itinerary. I have no doubt that there will be a next time — hopefully it will be sooner rather than later.

An unbiased Articles About Pakistan is Hard to Come by in american Press. Most of whom are zionists and cannot hide their bias. But, occasionally,truth peeks out and we get rare gems like this article. The comments by many Americans are positive except those with Hebrew names,who just cannot past their paranoia, including stealth lurking of Trolling on Pakistan Think Tank. But, our anonymity and fear are a blessing in disguise.. We are not invaded by hordes of American tourists like Europe or UK.

Comments

Nathan April 16, 2014 at 2:24 pm · Reply →

Wow, great first post! I’m not necessarily ignorant of how distorted our media-led perspectives of other countries can be, but I still learned a lot from the beginning of your journey. I’m looking forward to reading more as you continue along!

Wishing you all the best.
Christina April 16, 2014 at 2:25 pm · Reply →

Loved this! Am insanely jealous of this trip and may need to replicate it myself someday soon. In the mean time, keep the stories flowing.
1. Muhammad Waqar Arif April 18, 2014 at 8:03 am · Reply →
  
  Pakistani people are not terrorists rather we people are like you!! Peace loving .
  The media portrays us in a very wrong way.
  1. Ali Mahad April 20, 2014 at 5:17 am · Reply →
    
    Aside from the fact that I personally know some of the people seen in the photos above, I am so insanely happy to see such a candid and (most importantly) honest depiction of Lahore, Pakistan.
    Pakistanis surely don’t go around bombing tourists, but they also don’t dance around and wear shalwar kameez and only consume local cuisine 24/7, either. Hyping Pakistan’s culture to ludicrous extents and portraying it as ‘the real Pakistan’ is just as dishonest as reducing it to nothing.
Shujaat April 16, 2014 at 2:44 pm · Reply →

Great post Paul. Make sure you get to see the view of the Badshaahi mosque from the rooftop of Cuckoo’s cafe.
Ana April 16, 2014 at 2:45 pm · Reply →

Absolutely amazing, Paul! Can’t wait to read about your next adventure!
1. Muntazir Mahdi April 20, 2014 at 5:10 am · Reply →
  
  Respected Christina,
  
  See 100s of more foreigners videos, blogs & photos about their trip to Pakistan on our project “Voice Pakistan; From Foreigner’s Eye” page:
  https://www.facebook.com/VoicePakistan
  
  Foreigners just love PAKISTAN!!!!!
  
  Thank you,
  Muntazir.
Lyssa April 16, 2014 at 2:59 pm · Reply →

Sounds like an awesome 36 hours! Keep it up!
Casey April 16, 2014 at 7:19 pm · Reply →

I appreciate the discussion about women and Islam. Nice work, Paul.
Sabeen April 16, 2014 at 7:20 pm · Reply →

I was very happy to read your account of Lahore & even happier to read how differently things actually on ground are as compared to what the media portrays. I wish more Americans would come visit and see for themselves Also, next time you MUST visit Islamabad and the northern areas of Pakistan as the beauty of our northern areas is unparalleled wishing you a great journey ahead and looking forward to reading about it!
James Hodson April 16, 2014 at 7:59 pm · Reply →

Great article Paul. I can’t wait to land in Islamabad tomorrow morning, and start to experience the amazing things that you have during your trip.
1. Marium April 17, 2014 at 11:43 am · Reply →
  
  James!
  From a Pakistani living in Boston, I wish you have the best trip ever! Welcome to Pakistan =D
2. Usman April 17, 2014 at 1:18 pm · Reply →
  
  You’ll have a blast James! Drop me a line if you need any help. Even though I don’t live there anymore it’s still my hometown. I hope the spring is still in the air, the hills are still green and the food is still awesome!
  1. Fahad April 20, 2014 at 6:49 am · Reply →
    
    Usman,
    
    may I know what do you mean by that?For your kind info ,I am living in Pakistan for many years and unfortunately it is Karachi and some areas of Balochistan which are suffering from problems and terrorism.
    
    Rest of the country is fine.
    
    Just check the video of Madam Alison from UK, she visited Pakistan 23 times, can you imagine? And she loves Pakistan.
    
    Jub Pakistan key barey mein ziada knowledge na ho tou apna stupid moo bandh rakho.
3. Momina April 17, 2014 at 4:18 pm · Reply →
  
  James, have fun! You are going to have time of your life. I have been living in California for the past 22 years and miss Pakistan. Welcome
4. Raza Abbas April 19, 2014 at 12:52 pm · Reply →
  
  Hello James,
  
  Welcome to Islamabad, one of the most beautiful capitals around the world (I hope that by this time you would agree with my claim following the amazing drizzles and the beautiful sunshine that has enveloped Islamabad in the past couple of days). While I am not really sure what brings you to Islamabad but in case you need any sort of information or help, please feel free to contact my via an email at [removed].
  
  While as a Pakistani, food is the most cherished mean of entertainment for us so you should definitely visit the amazing restaurants in town including Andaaz at Saidpur Village, Monal at Pir Sohawa, Karam Lebanon in F 7/2, Al-Maghreb at Serena, and Jason’s Steak House, Royal Elephant and Dynasty at Marriot. Also, there are some really nice cafes including Chaaye Khana in Super Market F 6, Mocca Coffee at Kohsar Market F 6 and Coffee Republic in Super Market F 6.
  
  Best wishes,
  Raza
5. Wallis April 20, 2014 at 7:06 am · Reply →
  
  James,
  
  We wish that you will have a good time in Islamabad, and pls note that Islamabad has been ranked amongst the top 10 beautiful cities in the world. Islamabad is not just green but well planned and maintained. It is a new city which was developed in 1960s and has coffee shops ,shopping malls and many beautiful parks.
Ali Ahsan April 16, 2014 at 9:12 pm · Reply →

Brilliant idea, wonderful post. Keep wandering, keep updating…
Danish Alam April 16, 2014 at 10:52 pm · Reply →

You have visited our laid back fun loving cultural capital. Next time, visit our financial capital in the south, Karachi. A city where shit gets real, very real.
Usman Shakeel April 16, 2014 at 10:53 pm · Reply →

Glad to see someone actually showing the true face of our beautiful land and people.. Pakistan welcomes every country with open arms and we shall show our hospitality no matter what..
Ahmad Shoaib Moinuddin April 17, 2014 at 12:47 am · Reply →

Well someone forgot you to show the sufi sides of Lahore. Those mystical experiences can seldom be replicated elsewhere in the world. So for those wanting to follow up on his journey to Pakistan, dont forget that.
Imran April 17, 2014 at 3:06 am · Reply →

This is a dangerously misleading post. One American guy spends a short time with ‘elite’ and ‘wealthy’ Pakistani friends and makes very dangerous conclusions such the whole country being safe and hospitable towards foreigners.

I was born in Pakistan, have lived most of my life there and have seen Pakistan beyond the elite couple of suburbs and 2-3 Gloria Jeans coffee houses.

Pakistan is a safe country as long as you have extremely good connections, you stay in elite suburbs in one or two cities only, minimize any public appearances beyond a handful of restaurants and don’t socialize with anyone other than a handful of trusted friends (to minimize kidnapping risk). Beyond the elite circles, Pakistan is a terrible place for foreigners to visit. It’s not a coincidence that you see almost no foreigners on roads in Pakistan. Kidnapping, terrorism and opportunist crimes against travellers sadly are an everyday reality in Pakistan so have on illusions about safety situation in Pakistan.

To anyone who has never been to Pakistan, and would like a more accurate picture of every day situation in the country, please use the travel advice websites (USA, UK and Australia have detailed advice pages for travellers to Pakistan which are frequently updated) rather than making any conclusions from this post.

And yes, I am a Pakistani too (if you are thinking an Indian or American conspiracy here).
1. Paul April 17, 2014 at 12:37 pm · Reply →
  
  Thanks for your perspective, Imran. I am certainly not in the business of giving travel or security advice, simply sharing my own experience. While I admittedly stayed in a nice part of Lahore, I felt completely comfortable roaming all about the city. According to the US State Department Travel warning, no US citizens have been kidnapped in Pakistan in the last two years. So while still a risk, I do not sense it is a “common” activity. But again, thank you for sharing your perspective. I would love other Pakistanis or long-term expats to chime in as well.
  1. Hashaam April 18, 2014 at 5:21 am · Reply →
    
    Paul, you really should visit Islamabad.. The safest city in Pakistan, maybe not a lot of partying like Lahore but a lot of serene beautiful sights that you will never forget.! and Awesome article.
  2. Sher Khan April 18, 2014 at 8:21 pm · Reply →
    
    Hello Paul,
    
    I thought I’d offer my perspective as well. Don’t be fooled by the screen name, I am not a Pakistani. I am a foreigner and that was the nickname I was given when I was in the country.
    
    I visited Pakistan not too long ago and to some extent Imran is right. There is a huge disconnect between the elite, English-speaking parts of Lahore like Defence (where Gloria Jeans and LUMS are) and other places, such as Makkah Colony or Anarkali. And even bigger one exists between Lahore and what is outside of and yet a larger one between Punjab and what is outside of Punjab. So in that sense, I would call your experience limited, but then again, you had only a weeklong visa. I’m very impressed by what you managed in 36 hours.
    
    However, during my stay in Pakistan, I left Lahore frequently. I explored other “safe” cities like Islamabad, and to some degree Karachi (although you can seriously dispute that description of Karachi), but I also went to places that are not viewed as so safe. I visited the villages in Punjab and the villages in Khyber-Pukhtunkhwa and even there did not feel threatened, despite the picture that Imran seems to paint. I went to Peshawar, which even most people in nearby Islamabad described as a no-go area and although there is an air of tension there, people were hospitable, caring, and incredibly self-sacrificing.
    
    While Imran’s perspective is not completely off, his referring to Western government travel advice is not productive, and it is possible to explore Pakistan outside of the elite areas without necessarily feeling threatened.
    
    Just thought I’d weigh in on this little debate.
    1. Paul April 18, 2014 at 10:58 pm · Reply →
      
      Thank you for sharing your perspective, Sher.
  3. Wallis April 20, 2014 at 6:57 am · Reply →
    
    Hi Paul,
    
    Thanks for your comments, I am sure that you will not be effected by the media perception about Pakistan.
    
    What unfortunately the western and US media does is that they only show you 5 percent of the country which is effected by terrorist but ignore the large part of the country which is normal.
    
    Paul, you might be surprised to know that US cultural minister visited Pakistan and she took snaps in the historical sites of the country with smiling faces.
    
    But US travel advisory stops common Americans from coming to Pakistan.
    
    Pakistan is a country which is rich in history,culture and diversity.
    
    Texila is a historical site which its own civilization and according to some sources the 1st concept of University was started in Texila.
    
    Harrapa and Mohonjodaro are some of the ancient civilizations in Pakistan which dates back to more than 2000 years.
    
    If you go into the north of Pakistan you will be surprised to see the sceneries especially the Polo ground which is above 2200 feet.
    
    In the North of Pakistan, you will find some of the beautiful views of the mountains which are infact one of the highest mountains in the world.
    
    And their are lush green and beautiful places their.
2. Ali April 17, 2014 at 1:12 pm · Reply →
  
  To Imran,
  
  Please don’t pretend to be a Pakistani if you are not. As a American Pakistan who has just recently visited Pakistan, i had a great time. I was not worried about kidnappings or terrorism or any other crimes. I didn’t just stayed in posh areas, but instead travelled around to different cities in different neighbor hoods. Over all i had a great time in the country.
  
  We know the security situation isn’t the best, but it’s not as bad as been potrayed on media. Firstly i don’t beleive you are a Pakistani 99% sure, even if you are those 1% few odd cases then my advice, “Go to Pakistan and see yourself”
  
  Best Ali
3. W. Raza April 17, 2014 at 2:52 pm · Reply →
  
  @imran: I appologize if any of this gets personal, but my intentions are otherwise. I am also a Pakistani American who was born and raised in Lahore. While you are right about the current security situation to an extent, but the tone of your comment is exaggerated. You make an average Pakistani sound like a sociopath (on a kidnapping and murdering rampage) waiting for foriegner targets. Please correct me if that’s not the point you were trying to make.
  
  An average person is the same everywhere whether it’s US or Pakistan. The reason we get skewed perspective from media about us or ‘the other’ is that the media operates within a framework of business and political agendas. Redundant to even mention that media in US and Pakistan have completely opposing narrative about each other depicting the deteriorating state of their relationship. The escalation of crimes in some parts of Pakistan is due to the unrest spilling over from the decade long war in border region. Pakistan itself may have huge problems and I am very critical of most of our self-inflicted wounds, but the reality is that most of it is political in nature. Things for Pakistan won’t change overnight but it doesn’t mean that 200 million people (5th largest country by population) should cut it’s ties to the world. There are countless stories of Pakistanis from all spheres of life doing amazing things within and outside the country that proves my point. Paul just had a first hand experience of meeting some of these people. We need to encourage more people to people contact (even with Pakistan’s neighbours) instead of adding to the dominant narrative already out there. No place in the world is perfect, not even US — actually far from it. You don’t see any tourists on the streets of Pakistan now (even though it has HUGE potential) is because of the bad press it has recieved in the last ten years. I do agree with your point of view that it’s definitely not a coincidence.
  
  To anyone reading this:
  Making broad generalizations about an entire country based on a personal pespective or grievance is not only inaccurate but a disservice to an average person on the street trying to earn an honest living. Any Pakistani living outside of the country should have a far better idea about this.
  
  Lastly here’s portal that tries to highlight some positive stories from Pakistan: http://goodnews.pk/
4. zeeshan April 17, 2014 at 10:16 pm · Reply →
  
  Thank you imran for your views. Don’t you think its time to switch off ‘the news channels’ and get out of your house for once? My friend your view of Pakistan is the view of the news: come out and see for your self.
5. Saad April 18, 2014 at 12:14 am · Reply →
  
  @Imran… well I can understand your frustration, most of the people who settle abroad, are not that well established in Pakistan, and thus have to face difficulties back home, some of those have developed a certain kind of grudge against Pakistan and its people and its clearly visible in your post….I am from lahore…I am currently in Toronto…lived in Lahore for 20 years till 2010…if you claim there is terrorism in lahore please guide me cuz I don’t know of any incident…last time there was a terror incident was probably in 2010 …you talk about kidnapping….its rare..absolutely rare in lahore ….never ever heard of it…but karachi yes, cuz of political parties and their mobs..karachi you can say has some kind of a security problem, but Pakistan is huge country with a lot of ethinicities with their own culture and language…its a country of 186 million people…don’t generalize everything based on your personal bias !!!
6. Amna April 18, 2014 at 1:23 am · Reply →
  
  “It’s not a coincidence that you see almost no foreigners on roads in Pakistan. Kidnapping, terrorism and opportunist crimes against travellers sadly are an everyday reality in Pakistan so have on illusions about safety situation in Pakistan.”
  
  “no foreigners” on road are not due to security reasons but due to “no tourism policy”
  1. Paul April 18, 2014 at 7:21 am · Reply →
    
    Yes, obtaining a visa was certainly not an easy process, sadly…
7. Hashaam April 18, 2014 at 5:19 am · Reply →
  
  Dude you can never say it’s a terrible place to visit.. Everyone knows Pakistan is a developing country so the problems and disparity between the elite and poor are common.. Justl like Paul said murders also happen in America but a single killing is overblown if it happens in Pakistan..
  There are a only few dangerous places in the country if you look at the entire area of it.. Karachi has an increasing crime rate but several years ago it wasnt like this so it’s just a phase.. We can mention Harlem here that had a crazy high crime rate too.. Social problems exist in every country.. Again of course you cant compare Pakistan with a European country or US generally but the media just takes the criticism to a whole new level.. We have heard so many stories from our friends living in UK or US about getting mugged..
  Bomb blasts and terrorism, that started after 2004, 2005 and peaked at 2008,09 but basing your view about the entire country on it is just not right.. It feels as if Pakistan was never a better country.. Ok, there are a few areas unsafe but mostly it is fine.. I hope you get the gist of what I’m trying to say..
8. Saadia Sharjeel April 18, 2014 at 6:36 am · Reply →
  
  Imran you certainly sound like an Indian agent or something. I think you did not read properly, the writer did go to food street and the inner part of the city, besides Gloria Jeans. Nobody kidnapped him.
9. Ahsan April 18, 2014 at 6:43 am · Reply →
  
  I beg to differ Imran. Just last year in October, I happen to be a host of a Spanish couple who were traveling from Spain all through Asia. Anyway, they crossed the border from Iran into Baluchistan on a caravan. They drove the caravan all through Baluchistan and Punjab and came to Lahore. They stayed with me for more than a week, I showed them all over Lahore, good and bad places. I took them to Islamabad and Murree and they loved it. They would come back sometime this year on their way back. They have never been to Pakistan and we met through couchsurfing. Now I’m not an elite, comfortable yes but not an elite by any chance.
  Apart from them, I’ve been a host to an Indian guy as well and I had a great experience with him too. And this all is very recent. I believe Pakistan could be a heaven for tourists. We just have to welcome with good nature and stop our inner phobia.
Sadaf April 17, 2014 at 3:20 am · Reply →

So glad to see that you enjoyed and loved our country.. just like we do! Thank you for writing this.. x
CT April 17, 2014 at 6:18 am · Reply →

There’s a lot more to Lahore and Pakistan in general. The longer you stay the more you’ll fall in love with the people and the place. Anyone wanting to try the claim i just made is more than welcome as a guest
Kelly April 17, 2014 at 7:15 am · Reply →

Thanks for sharing such a different perspective of the country. Looking forward to the next post!
shereen April 17, 2014 at 8:36 am · Reply →

ONE CORRECTION ; MAUT KA KUAN

MEANIN G THE WELL OF DEATH and not the WALL of death..

kuan is a well.

great post, famous saying, anyone who has not seen Lahore, has not lived !!!
1. Paul April 17, 2014 at 12:18 pm · Reply →
  
  Oops. Corrected!
nouman munawar April 17, 2014 at 9:08 am · Reply →

u should have visited lower Punjab also
Huma April 17, 2014 at 10:37 am · Reply →

Very nice. I’m from Lahore. For higher education, i haven’t had time for going back since last 2 years. Believe it or not, i watch the news (from all sources) and myself start believing in the frenzy and FAILED STATE SITUATION going around in Pk which is shown by media.I call my family and say somethings like LEAVE PAKISTAN, GO AWAY, TALIBAN ARE COMING, IT’S GONE and well, my family doesn’t seem to get it that I’m a victim of media’s image projected about Pk.

So, I am just wondering that I become confused, and forget about Lahore(Pakistan), then just imagine what would be the image of the world about this beautiful place.
Zagham Naseem April 17, 2014 at 10:49 am · Reply →

Thank you very much Paul for sharing positive image of Pakistan. Pakistan indeed a very beautiful and safe country.
Umar Shehzad April 17, 2014 at 10:54 am · Reply →

Great article Paul and about all the misconceptions and stereotypes, one can say that we too have a brown version of redneck community living in Pakistan.
Usman Shafiq April 17, 2014 at 11:18 am · Reply →

It’s a shame you only had a week long visa. People like you can change the perspectives of many. I am studying in Ireland and I have almost convinced my Irish friends to visit Pakistan for my wedding. I think the next time you visit you should come with your friends and take a drive to Islamabad and up north. You won’t regret it.
Finally, if you get a chance, attend a wedding (the whole wedding).
Best of luck for your future!
Marium April 17, 2014 at 11:44 am · Reply →

LOVED the article <3 Lahore is my city and I miss it like crazy every day!!
I’m so glad you had an awesome experience.
=)
Mark April 17, 2014 at 12:18 pm · Reply →

I am happy to hear you are experiencing the Pakistan I came to know and love nearly 20 years ago. Lahore is an amazing city, so much history.

I still think about Wazir Khan Mosque and Jehangir’s Tomb. Two very different yet very perfect architectural marvels.

Looking forward to your future posts, enjoy the trip!
Muhammad April 17, 2014 at 1:36 pm · Reply →

Paul next time do visit Northern Areas Sakardu, Chitral , Hunza and many more… I bet u gonna remember them for a long time…normally people in Pakistan are very hospitable yes there are some fanatics… generally even the religious clerks are not too much hostile towards westerns.. Its just a group of some fanatics although they are not much in quantity but unfortunately they are worst than animals and I do not consider them as Muslims..
Zain April 17, 2014 at 2:06 pm · Reply →

I spent 2 years in UK and I could not stay there any longer because I missed Lahore like hell. Now I am back in the city and I am loving it more. Visited northern part of Pakistan recently and it is all very safe. Media only portrays the one aspect of this country which is quiet low in ratio.
Muhammad Azeem April 17, 2014 at 2:12 pm · Reply →

Thanks Paul for this great effort.
Maaz April 17, 2014 at 2:54 pm · Reply →

“During my stay in Europe, I always come across the questions like “Do your women go to school?”, “How do you survive in such a war zone?”, “Isn’t Lahore totally based on the Desert Area?”. And sadly these are really hard and annoying questions to answer for any Pakistani given the fact that the only thing whole western world knows about us is just an imagination of us running with Rocket Launchers on our shoulders and trying to kill somebody.

But this piece of text (has covered everything, from University lifestyle to the Food culture and) is something I can show off to everyone and proof that Pakistan is a peaceful country. Great article!
Thank you Paul.
Rubina April 17, 2014 at 2:57 pm · Reply →

HEY come to Karachi tooo! You won’t regret it. Its also a great city and you’ll love it! Despite popular misconception that it it the most unsafe city, I was born here and I love every bit of it. Would never trade it for any other place
Rezwan April 17, 2014 at 3:16 pm · Reply →

Hello Imran. Sorry bro seems like no one paid heed to you. Foreigners can have certain bad experiences everywhere.

Even in the 1st world country there are people whose only source of income revolves around cheating, fooling and other opportunist crimes involving foreigners. So Pakistan could have some of that too. Atleast Foreigners dont get Raped in Pakistan like in your country…India……”I am Pakistani too” LOL

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/shelitaflame/india-shamed-again-danish-woman-gangraped-in-delhi/article1-1172980.aspx
Quarat ul Ain April 17, 2014 at 3:25 pm · Reply →

Paul,

I grew up in Lahore -Cavalry Ground in fact. & I visit my folks every year or so. I read your article in disbelief at what you didn’t see – it was as if a Northerner in the pre-Civil War era had visited a plantation in the South & had come back with stories of how awesome it was & had never mentioned slavery.

New York is not just Queens, its the Bronx too. You spent your entire time with the tiny percentage of rich, educated, & rather Westernized people & you did not look beyond what they showed you.

Did you see the servant quarters in all the posh houses you visited? Did you notice who cooked & served the food you ate – that they never ate with the family & never even got to eat the left overs of the food they had cooked? & the washing up they had to do after the family finished eating at 10 pm? Oh & no electric dishwashers for them!

You show a beautiful picture of a posh neighborhood, but did you see the slums behind? When you were up on Wazir Khan’s mosque, did you see the poverty, the malnourished kids, in the streets below?

You said you never felt unsafe. You’re not a woman walking alone. I was. I know what I faced every day. In NWFP & Baluchistan, you won’t find a woman on the streets who is not under 5 or above 70. Want to learn about women’s rights? Go visit Hina Jillani’s office where she runs a women’s shelter & a law service for women. Visit the women’s jail. Many inmates are there because they committed adultery (yes, you get jailed for committing adultery)….in other words, they were raped.

You said they’ve not been much terrorism….read this for starters:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-15/pakistan-s-terrorist-attacks-since-jan-1-2010-a-timeline.html

How about the lynchings of Christian homes & churches Badami Bagh & the attacks on the Ahmedi mosque? All happened in that wonderful Lahore you visited. Next time you go to Paki, open your eyes & see.
1. Paul April 18, 2014 at 8:02 am · Reply →
  
  I believe there are certainly lots of issues in Pakistan, as there are almost everywhere in the world. Certainly the issues in Pakistan are different and more “serious” than those in the US, which has a GDP per capita 15X that of Pakistan. Hopefully you did not interpret my post as a holistic and detailed account of Pakistani culture, society, and security. Rather, it is simply my own personal experience — one that is certainly very different than what we ever see in the Western headlines. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
Khurram April 17, 2014 at 3:55 pm · Reply →

Nice one, Please do come to Islamabad too.
naima April 17, 2014 at 7:30 pm · Reply →

I love that you loved Lahore, you can visit some more historical places and maybe next time stay there longer. Plus do visit Islamabad, its different and pretty good. Northern areas are a must too. And someone said in the comments that if you get a chance do attend a wedding and that is true, it is a nice experience.
Moeed April 17, 2014 at 8:27 pm · Reply →

Great Work Paul. God bless America and Pakistan.
zaki April 17, 2014 at 9:27 pm · Reply →

A great post indeed! I understand that 48 hours or a week for that matter may not be enough time to understand a place. However, this being an experience, the narrative is interesting. Like all things in life, a balance is what eventually makes things understandable. The comment from a reader “Kidnapping, terrorism and opportunist crimes against travellers sadly are an everyday reality in Pakistan so have on illusions about safety situation in Pakistan. ” is something difficult to accept. Yes, these incidents happen. Living in Pakistan and traveling abroad during my career, the only case of having by luggage stolen happened in Montreal. That shouldn’t make me reach a generalization about the city that I loved in my 24 hours visit So, there are areas that are definitely not safe. But when anyone visits another country, we usually do not visit such places unless it is required (like a journalist’s assignment etc).
feri rawanian April 17, 2014 at 9:46 pm · Reply →

Paul ,Thank you so much for visiting and writing about it If you are ever in Karachi look me up Would love to show you the city
Ali April 17, 2014 at 9:55 pm · Reply →

Paul … obviously very happy to read a positive piece on Pakistan. I am a Pakistani who has returned to Pakistan after living in North America for 2 decades. So on the issue of security for tourists/foreigners … and in the spirit of being objective … Pakistan is just like any where else in the world, things can go wrong … hence, it would be foolhardy to throw caution to the wind. Lahore is probably the safest large city in Pakistan (Karachi – not so much these days So my personal advice to people visiting Pakistan is to use common sense, do not move around unaccompanied, do not flash around dollars and passports … and just generally stay alert.

Having said that … it is an awesome country to visit … with loads of culture, diverse landscape, history, great food and as rightly mentioned a few times … sincere hospitality!

So Enjoy … but stay smart and safe!
Alina April 17, 2014 at 10:46 pm · Reply →

an interesting account, well of course. being a pakistani myself (born, bred and educated here), i cannot see why anyone could resist falling in love with a culturally sound country like this one and more so, withstand its hospitality; even if that comes in the wake of very negative media conspiracies.
thanks for the review mate..
Adil Lahorei April 17, 2014 at 11:14 pm · Reply →

i wish to must be visit with me the walled city of lahore where u can see the real culture of lahore and i waz sure that u must be a lot of enjoy there well no worries next time
furqan April 17, 2014 at 11:34 pm · Reply →

Thanks a lot for visiting our country and writing about the positivity of our Country.. We all loving and caring people as other ones in world. So come here and enjoy the seasons food hospitality historic places and everything we have in Pakistan . I love my country
Kashif Ahmad April 17, 2014 at 11:35 pm · Reply →

Its really great post, specially because its about clarifying misconceptions about #Pakistan.

Next time you come to Pakistan then you are invited to #Karachi too, and you must have a longer visa maybe 21 days or more…
Wasim April 17, 2014 at 11:50 pm · Reply →

Great article. I am from Lahore and having lived in different cities of Pakistan and rest of the world I can say Lahore and Lahorees(people from Lahore) ABSORB you while in other cities you get ADSORBED. As they say Lahore Lahore aye(Lahore is Lahore)
Khawaja April 18, 2014 at 12:01 am · Reply →

Lahore is the heart of Pakistan and no matter from which social status your hosts were you would not have found them any less hospitable.The only people who rival the Lahories in hospitality are the pakhtoons.Pakistan is a great place for tourism especially its north.The only thing you need to enjoy a great trip is a strong liaison with someone in the city you are visiting and the all is well.

Jinaain Lahore ni takayaa o jamaya nahi (If you have not seen Lahore you have yet to live )
Abdur Rahman Mian April 18, 2014 at 12:09 am · Reply →

Dear Sir
Very nice of you to have visited and shared your impressions
of your precious 36 hours!
You visited a select part,though. But,it is part of the whole.
I chose to live in Lahore,in spite of several options and invitations,for me to live else where,on this globe.
Good part of half a century,I have visited from Arctic,Aukland,
Timbuktu and Zulu-land. But Lahore, L’hore Eih.
Wish you safe journeys elsewhere around this globe….with a
Tilted Axis.
hussain April 18, 2014 at 12:27 am · Reply →

Lahore is the beginning. The north of Pakistan is a heaven, when situation gets better do go there.
Humzah April 18, 2014 at 1:31 am · Reply →

Good for you, buddy. I am glad that you had such an enjoyable experience. Let me know if you require any help regarding your trip to Islamabad.

The unfortunate bit is that while media does exaggerate to get ratings, the fact of the matter is that taliban and al-qaeda, in whatever manifestations, have corroded the country and are a bane to its existence. However, what cannot be taken away from us is our culture of hospitality. Hopefully, more and more tourists will come over and over a period of time, the negative image would be overturned.
Fatima April 18, 2014 at 2:16 am · Reply →

As a pakistani student studying abroad and comtinuously trying to convince people to visit Pakistan, this article makes me SO happy! And I’m so, so, so glad and appreciative that you not only gave Pakistan a chance but also wrote about it. A huge thank you from the nation and we hope you get to visit again!
Maha April 18, 2014 at 2:29 am · Reply →

It can not be stressed enough: Pakistan is a country with a myriad of flavors, colors and experiences. From the wild beauty of our mountains to the bustling plains. As a Pakistani myself, I haven’t yet experienced all, there is simply so much to see! I’m so happy to read of your account in my city, and will be looking forward to reading more. If possible, do also visit the shrines of Sufi saints in Multan and Ucchh Sharif. Like I said, beauty can be found anywhere in this vast land of ours. Cheers
fahad April 18, 2014 at 2:31 am · Reply →

thanks for coming to our city
Qamar April 18, 2014 at 3:00 am · Reply →

A great read. I tell you the smaller towns and villages are even more safe than larger cities. Next time you plan to visit the smaller towns and northern area of Pakistan, you may not have the facilities of a city like Lahore, but I am sure you will forget the hospitality and beauty of Lahore. This is an amazing country. Only a handful of terrorists together with the International media has destroyed the image of Pakistan.
Ibtasam April 18, 2014 at 3:54 am · Reply →

Heartening to see that you enjoyed your visit to Lahore.

There are so many other places in Lahore that you would enjoy if you decide to visit again. Fortress, Lahore Museum, Lahore Zoo (One of the oldest, founded 1872) Liberty, UET Lahore, Polo club etc. It really is Paris of the East
Lahori Agnostic April 18, 2014 at 3:54 am · Reply →

Imran,

No I don’t claim this is some RAW / CIA / Zionist conspiracy but your post is far more misleading than the article. Yes I agree the country has problems, it lacks freedom of expression, security, tolerance, gender equality, education, etc, but the author writes specifically about Lahore, not Pakistan in its entirety.

Despite increasing social ruralisation, an increasing crime rate, problems of Lahore are common to any big city like New York, London. These problems will never kill its culture.

Despite increasing inflation a bagpacking tourist can still find many cheap dhabbas with mouth watering food like chaat, fish-fry, broast, halwa puri, paye, nihari, hareesa, haleem and what not! You will find certain punjabi delicacies like hareesa, garato,katlama etc that are only known to Lahoris.

Before partition, it was considered the “garh” of Punjab and it still is. You will never experience the sociable, hospitable, punjabi speaking culture anywhere like you do in Lahore. You can never stand at a hotdog stand in Manhattan and have a random discussion or joke around with the salesman like you can with a chanay wala in gulberg or chaat wala near regal cinema. It might be statistically a “Big City” but it still has that warmth of a closeknit small town that never sleeps!

If it hadn’t been for our corrupt tourism authorities, in 1981 World Heritage Fund was willing to spend millions in preserving the wall city the same way it did in Cairo. This still goes to show the value of our cultural heritage that many of us fail to recognize.

As far as security issues concerned, statistics speak for themselves. Also, mind you, Lahore has a population exceeding 5 million and its bound to have an increasing crime rate but still it has managed to maintain some level of security. It does not have the same social problems as other “big cities” in the region where rape cases are a norm. For this the credit ofcourse does not go to the governments but to its people.

Despite increasing intolerance, Lahore is also the intellectual capital of the country as it produces one of the best minds in the region. Its a household fact that NHS and the US health care system has many Lahori trained doctors and we continue to produce countless number of engineers and doctors, not from elite families but from lower-middle class backgrounds for whom going to schools like UET, KE etc is pretty affordable.

Anyway I could go on and on about how great this city is, but y’all should really come and experience it yourself!
Tabinda Atif April 18, 2014 at 4:50 am · Reply →

Awesome article!! Im thrilled to know you got to see the real Pakistan, not the one the media so wrongly portrays! Lahore is a city like no other! I live in the States however my hearts still in Pakistan! Hope u get to visit again soon & make some mre great memories!!
uk April 18, 2014 at 4:58 am · Reply →

Hey… Interesting read. There is so much more to discover for you while being in Pakistan.

Just to keep you safe  one advise, just to be on the safe side, don’t publicize your itinerary like that next time you are visiting PK.
1. Paul April 18, 2014 at 7:03 am · Reply →
  
  All my posts were actually after leaving — mostly due to lack of wifi where I was staying, but I think anywhere I go in the world I would be hesitant to publish my exact itinerary on the internet. But thanks for the feedback!
Atif April 18, 2014 at 5:08 am · Reply →

Dear Paul;

People are good everywhere, I was stuck in North Dakota (almost near to Canada) in a ditch in total white out in January 2011 98% of people who crossed me stopped and offered their help. It is same everywhere. I disagree with Imran, I was born and brought up in Lahore, have never witnessed any non-Pakistani kidnapped, or in any such situations ever in my life that I spent in Pakistan.

There are areas in Chicago, or as you mentioned Detroit, where it does not make sense to go, same applies to any big city in Pakistan. There are people, who advised me not to go to Tacoma in evening, which came out as just another misleading advice. Tacoma in evening is great to be to have dinner or enjoy a walk in downtown.

Next time, whenever you go there, you can advise your hosts to make sure that they look at your rest as their first priority, and you will be well rested. I have few friends in Lahore and Karachi, you are most welcome to contact me, and I will make sure you get more wonderful sight seeings, meeting with people with various genre, even, you can also visit some farms, or perhaps can be taken to do mountain trekking.

Thanks for making me feel better about the country of my birth, as media otherwise seems that Pakistan is some barbaric people homeland.

Do go to Lahore Museum, visit in Karachi the beaches or Arabian ocean, go to Bahawalpur and later Qila Dirawar in the middle of Cholistan desert to witness both Past and present of people.
Mohammad Faisal April 18, 2014 at 5:28 am · Reply →

I am from Lahore Pakistan and loved the way you described it. I welcome every one come and visit us we are not being like what news channels are doing for there TRP.
Kamil April 18, 2014 at 6:07 am · Reply →

I just cant understand how you mentioned Detroit & Lahore in the same sentence.
Could you compare the Skyline of Detroit with Lahore? NO because Lahore doesnt have one.
The university you went to is a private institution which is probably the best in Pakistan. Next time around try and go to a govt school or a hospital.
What you didnt see or experience was the double standards in the people there. People are judged in material terms, the more you own (or you can show off) the more you get respect. There is no respect for a man walking down the old city road where you went.
I can write for hours the things that perhaps you will never know or your hosts however hospitable they maybe; didnt mention to you.
This country is in a state of Psychological paralysis if something like that exists.

These people are as delusional as one could get. Taking pride in being a Nuclear Power when there is no electricity in the country? You think thats something to be proud off?

The moral state of the people is crippled to say the least. More than any threat to the country terrorism, attacks, war etc… are the people there themselves.
I am a Pakistani & I am strong enough to admit that I am not proud of it.
Saadia Sharjeel April 18, 2014 at 6:37 am · Reply →

Do go to the mountains next time.
sadia April 18, 2014 at 6:46 am · Reply →

Imran.. i dont know which part of the world are you living in (where u dun find any problems/issues at all).. and i dont deny that the problems u mentioned do exist in pakistan, but go and read paul’s first post, which would provide a more detailed account of what he aimed at doing.

Therez a lot more positive to lhr n pakistan as a whole than is depicted in the media and this is what paul has explored.. im not from an elite class, but i did enjoy every bit of my freedom in pakistan and the love and respect tht people had to offer there (not denying the presence of criminal sort,, but where in the world do you not find them now?)
Rezwan April 18, 2014 at 7:42 am · Reply →

Hello Imran or whatever your real name is. Sorry bro seems like no one paid heed to you. Very conveniently chosen Pakistani name “Imran”

Foreigners can have certain bad experiences everywhere.

Even in the 1st world country there are people whose only source of income revolves around cheating, fooling and other opportunist crimes involving foreigners. I have been in and out of pakistan for last 10 years and had resided from Europe to North America. When i started travelling and when people used to find out that i am new to that country then there were certainly some people who used to try and fool, cheat and at times robbed me aswell. So Pakistan could have some of that too.
Misbah April 18, 2014 at 7:51 am · Reply →

The truth is, Lahore, and Pakistan in general, does have a lot of problems but our society is one that is quite unique to the kind of world view that has gained popularity. We are not Arabic, or the Taliban or Barbarians. But we are certainly a confused lot. Some are trying to be Arabic because they identify themselves with Islam while some are trying to be westerners because thats what education here entails; then there are those who try to balance out the two and try to be both. We’ve tried so hard to suppress the Indian, subcontinental culture from our society that its become difficult to trace back our cultural roots. You have seen Lahore through the eyes of the english speaking elite (I myself being a part of it), who are as detached from the masses (The people who make up 95% of Pakistan) as the Britishers were towards the Indians during the colonial era. That doesn’t however mean that Lahore is not a beautiful city. My city is a beautiful place with lots to offer, but the people who inhabit it have a long time to evolve and the side you’ve experienced is really the lifestyle of a small percentage of privileged individuals.
Annie Rizwan April 18, 2014 at 8:05 am · Reply →

Great read n good Job Paul..
I appreciate your courage in being adventurous enough to choose Pakistan for your visit. There are quite a few like you. Being an American I believe would BE the hardest job to get a week long visa.. I am from lahore n I lived in Boston for about six months. . Currently I’m residing in Germany but where ever I’ve been till now, all I’ve listened about my country is what the international media had ever projected. Even while reading your article right now, I am watching a news on BBC that says there is a library in Pakistan named after Osama Bin Ladin..
Sadly no one would ever cover the brighter side of Pakistan, the spring festivals of Lahore.. It’s the first ever article from an American that truly has showed a soft and lovely Pakistan.. The image Pakistan actually deserves..thanks for sharing your views
.
Ayesha April 18, 2014 at 10:53 am · Reply →

what a lovely post! I am currently away from home and missing Lahore like anything….I cant believe no one told you what they say about Lahore (or did u forget to mention?)….that ‘if you havent seen lahore, you are yet to be born’ and the simple one liner that about the city: ‘Lahore is Lahore’
What better way to describe a city as lovely and vibrant as Lahore!
what’s your favourite Lahori food btw?
1. Saifmansoor April 18, 2014 at 7:44 pm · Reply →
  
  Same here!
Muhammad April 18, 2014 at 2:51 pm · Reply →

Paul You have seen the heart of Pakistan ‘ lahore’ but you should come and visit the Newyork of Pakistan ‘Karachi’…
Moazzam Khan April 18, 2014 at 4:10 pm · Reply →

Hey Paul

I just want to THANK YOU for coming to Lahore man! The difference between what the media portrays of us and what we really are, is just astonishing.

People like you will be always welcomed in Pakistan.

Thank You once again

=]
junaid April 18, 2014 at 5:07 pm · Reply →

nice views..I m sure you enjoyed your stay and you are most welcome .. just something i m really concerned about is that the name of our HOLY book is QURAN and not koran if u really like to share your experience share our values too .. it is requested you make change the word koran to OUR HOLY book QURAN in ur reference
1. Paul April 19, 2014 at 11:38 am · Reply →
  
  Junaid- unfortunately, I am not an expert is Islamic studies. The New York Times style guide uses Koran and most Western readers seem more familiar with that spelling, hence my usage of it. But I certainly apologize if the spelling offends any readers — my intent was certainly not to do so.
Faisal Tirmizi April 18, 2014 at 5:40 pm · Reply →

Paul if you ever face a consular issue, come to Chicago. Ethan Casey has also written a wonderful book about Pakistan. He is publishing its second up updated edition in May.
Terese Carolan April 18, 2014 at 6:02 pm · Reply →

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Taali April 18, 2014 at 7:41 pm · Reply →

I only take issue with the general consensus that emerged that the quran teaches great respect for women. Literal translations of many chapters of the quran, such as Surah rehman, include God guaranteeing pious men (apparently god speaks only to males in the quran, from jinn or mankind) that they shall receive an infinite number of virgins to bed in the here after … Heaven… Etc, if they are good now.

Not exactly the kind of teaching that leads to respect for women. Under the dutiful, cautious attitude, are frustrated people, and a growing rate of rapes every day.

Also, the quran promises women that they shall definitely be with their husbands in heaven, while the husbands have sex with endless virgins. i’d rather go to hell, wouldn’t u?

Otherwise, nice blog!
1. Paul April 18, 2014 at 11:01 pm · Reply →
  
  Thank you for the feedback. I only meant to imply that was the consensus among the small group of people I spoke with, certainly not all Pakistanis or certainly all Muslims. I think respect and rights for women are is certainly a serious issue in both the Muslim and non-Muslim world.
Saifmansoor April 18, 2014 at 7:45 pm · Reply →

I am a Pakistani living in Aus, been telling people the same things , trying to break stereotypes, hope your blog helps a little bit
Taali April 18, 2014 at 7:49 pm · Reply →

Also, i agree with kamil before me. Ur Article is entertaining and readable, objective and oh so positive. Sounds like lahore was very exciting for u, hehe! Maybe ur life really was in danger….. From boredom…. Between one family dinner to the next….

Lahore is only beautiful because of its pain. The over population, the traffic. The hospitals. Anybody who says otherwise is…. Not being very blunt.
Misbah April 18, 2014 at 9:47 pm · Reply →

I totally loved this post. I read a comment here about Pakistan being safe only when you are well-connected. I disagree to that. I belong to a small area and I feel those areas are comparatively safer. Though you cannot find a “party scene” there but it is so great. I would highly recommend visiting one.
Hamad Rasool April 18, 2014 at 11:14 pm · Reply →

Dear Paul… I appreciate your write up and the responses & especially to Imran, Dear IMRAN Y need to visit Pakistan at least once.. !
I am so proud of being a Lahori and Pakistani and keep travelling across Pakistan for my business and Trainings trips to almost every major city of Pakistan and never had any mishap ever. I wonder how Media finds so crispy stories on crimes in Pakistan. I have conducted trainings in Peshawar Multan Faisalabad Bahawalpur, Hyderabad, Karachi, Rawalpindi & Islamabad and always got extra ordinary welcome always. Pakistan is so loveable the only thing is how we see it half full or half empty…. !
Faisal kapadia April 18, 2014 at 11:28 pm · Reply →

Right so the great myth that pakistan is just about
Beards and bombs is broken once more. Is it safe though oooh is it safe?? What a limited version the author has experienced.. Well guess what we experience when we visit say L.A as a tourist? The “limited version” of all california has to offer? Ever been to compton?? Oakland??? Ive been mugged there twice… I live in karachi been mugged here too twice… Been mugged on the streets of istanbul as well so what? Its pretty silly to assume that a tourist is gonna experience every lane and ghetto before he writes a blog on pakistan. Plus this guy went to the inner city infact he went to many places you dont see tourists go too is he supposed to apologize if he stayed in a nice area and had fun? Duh the whole point is that there are nice areas :p – Do look me up when visiting karachi i promise its gonna be as safe as NYC for ya and more fun!
kamran hayder April 18, 2014 at 11:38 pm · Reply →

Thank you very much paul…Pakistan and pakistanis welcome people from all over the word, please come and see us, see this paradise on earth….
SUB April 18, 2014 at 11:39 pm · Reply →

About Lahore: You are not as yet born if you have not seen Lahore
About Karachi: No one person can claim to have seen all of it in a single lifetime

Next time when you are in Pakistan mind that. Its a big country with some 180 million people (not sure if the illegal immigrates from Afghanistan, India, Bangla & even Philippines are accounted in to that ) so there is a LOT of diversity

If some people prefer to be safe, they may stay home
Zee April 19, 2014 at 12:23 am · Reply →

Hey Paul!

So you were in my neighborhood! Cool! Hope you had fun… The post is a treat to read. Keep coming back for what you missed in your first 36 hours!!

Cheers!
Zee
Umar Khan April 19, 2014 at 12:25 am · Reply →

While everyone here is gushing over how nice it was of this author to “defy stereotypes” as he himself so self-righteously puts it, people fail to realize that this post is nothing but some kind of sociological research project in which he analyzes the perceptions and attitudes of Pakistanis like someone might analyze the entrails of a guinea pig. The worst part is he pretends that the article is about objectively evaluating the merits of Pakistan as a tourist destination, even though clearly the aim is to conduct a survey of the political and religious beliefs of Pakistani elites. He cynically manipulates people’s sense of pride in their homeland and prefaces his findings by a bunch of kumbayaha touchy feely oh-so-magnanimous pontification on how he’s so enlightened that he can transcend stereotypes, throwing a bone to a people who are starved for recognition as being something other than a bunch of dirt poor terrorists while slicing them open. But by making discussion of genger segregation and womens rights his primary goal in this 36 hour visit, it’s clear that he went to Pakistan loaded with pre concieved notions about how “the oppression of women” is a defining feature of Pakistani society and expecting that his hosts will bend over backwards to dispell his own prejudices. I mean seriously 36 hours is barely enough time to even briefly explore the monuments and bazaars of the Old City alone yet somehow this guy claims to have done that while also having conducted like 3 fairly extensive interviews. And on the complete opposite edge of Lahore too. Unless you were flying around in a helicopter I dont see how you could have done justice to your stated aim of attempting to evaluate the merits of Lahore as a touritst destination while also hosting a roaming think tank. Which leads to the conclusion that his claim is bogus and he could care less about the value of lahore as a tourist destination. On the other hand, he works as a “management consultant”, just like Shiza Shahid of McKinsey (an international management consultancy firm) who is openly recognized as the main drivign force behind the international PR campaign that was Malala Yousafzai. So it makes sense why he was so fixated on “the oppression of women” that 90% of his article is all about how he went around demanding excuses and justifications from Pakistanis about why they are “so horrible to women”, with like three lines about “yeah and I saw like some old mosques or whatever”. Because the West needs to constantly highlight how “misogynistic” the Muslim world and flood their media with these tearjerker stories of the oppression of women. Of-course, the women who get killed in drone strikes or aerial bombardment in the name of oil…er…. I mean freedom, get no airtime. Malala gets to have her face plastered all over the internet, address the UN and go on the late night talk show circuit while the story of Abeer, the teenage Iraqi girl who was raped and murdered by US soldiers who then killed her whole family, is suppressed and never mentioned. And this guy goes around interrogating Pakistanis about why they oppress women and never once ask “how do you feel about the women who have died from American military action in your country and your neighboring country?”.
1. Paul April 19, 2014 at 11:29 am · Reply →
  
  Thank you for the feedback, Umar. My intent was neither to conduct an in-depth sociological experiment or provide a detailed tourist guide to Lahore. Rather, it was simply to share the experience I had exploring both issues and places I was personally curious about based on what I read in Western media. similar to most news articles, it is nearly impossible to convey every side and nuance of a city or country. I saw and experienced one side, a side that is rarely if ever reported on in the West, and wanted to share it. Finally, like the New York Times articles, it would be very difficult to actually do everything in the “36 hours” articles in 36 hours. Rather, it is a bit more of a style of conveying information about a place in a standard format. For an interesting perspective, see this:http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2013/04/memo-to-the-new-york-times-what-actually-happens-during-36-hours-in-a-foreign-country
Tony April 19, 2014 at 3:20 am · Reply →

I have lived in Lahore for almost 9 months now, and I agree with so much of what I have read here. I would say, though, that other areas of Pakistan seem to be not as safe as the city I have been fortunate enough to live in.

There are some very beautiful areas of Pakistan, and some are safe, with no tales of massacres, and others that have had one incident. The sad thing is that when one thing happens in an area, people say it is unsafe. Is it unsafe to fly in an airplane because of the missing Flight 370?

I totally agree to the statistics mentioned about homicide rates in Detroit. I have lived in LA and Phoenix, and I have felt safer here than in the wrong areas of either of those places. When I was in college, a guy from my university went to a party in Pomona, CA, and he never made it home, because he was shot by gang members. Why is it that these kind of statistics are not mentioned, while Pakistan is made to seem like a hard place to keep your life?

People who live in countries like Pakistan and India, Thailand and the like, are always shocked when they hear about homelessness, murder rates and jobless people. I told a friend (not a person who was struggling finacially) about the fact that there were homeless people in America, and that some people could not afford to drive a car. He shook his head in disbelief, and said he would never believe something like this.

This is why people should get out into the World and see for themselves what it is really like…

Very interesting post – I am glad to find it!
Kamran Khan April 19, 2014 at 6:23 am · Reply →

Loved this post… You have spoken the hearts of all Pakistanis out… we are not as bad as the world thinks… in fact the situation in Pakistan is misinterpreted everywhere in the world… Bravo fro this article…. whenever you plan to visit the mountains please let me know and be my guest….
Fatima April 19, 2014 at 6:40 am · Reply →

I think it’s great that you enjoyed your trip to Lahore. People in the US do not imagine co-ed college campuses or coffee shops, and I am glad that this picture of Pakistan is portrayed here.

However, I do wish you got a chance to visit middle class families and working class families, and to take a short trip to a small town and also a village outside of Lahore. You saw a glimpse of privileged life in Lahore. I think you would be equally impressed by the hospitality and friendliness of more average Lahori families, too. (Very often in Pakistani parlance, fairly elite people call themselves “middle class” when they are statistically extremely privileged, but to be sure, you were not visiting truly middle class people.)

As far as terrorism, I am a foreigner and not a Pakistani, but I am more fearful of petty crime like purse/luggage snatching or even extortion kidnapping than I am of terrorism in major cities in Pakistan. In Karachi the problem is not terrorism related to religious extremism, but ethnic political gangs vying for power who have made the city dangerous and violent. In US news, things are almost never reported on Pakistan from that angle, only from the Islam-Taliban-terrorism angle.

Lahore is such a historically rich, beautiful city. My favorite part of visiting is the food, especially the Lahori style roghni naan. Food street is awesome! So glad you visited and shared that with readers!

Best!
-Fatima
http://portageparkdistrict.org April 19, 2014 at 9:32 am · Reply →

Wow, this article is good, my sister is analyzing these kinds of things, therefore I am going
to convey her.
Mariya April 19, 2014 at 9:54 am · Reply →

Hello Paul,

It felt like a soft breeze to read your article until I scrolled down. The article makes it clear that you have expressed from your personal experiences and do not represent a social media depicting the ‘safety issues’ of Pakistan.

I am a Pakistani who has lived her entire life abroad but spent several years in Islamabad for medical school. Yes, things are different and then why not?! Pakistan is still a developing nation facing issues at all levels. We certainly we cannot overlook the fact that much needs to be done and no one really knows how long that will take.

Yes, there are major safety concerns, there are thriving and malnourished children on the streets, uneducated kids, homeless people, Taliban ready to fire, unemployed professionals, etc etc. ( I could go on). But then as any society has, there’s a brighter side too. There are philanthropists and humanitarians like Abdul Sattar Edhi and The Burneys themselves who carry a good burden of helping their nation. Many and I mean many people work voluntarily to serve the underserved. Charitable organizations are not a rare sight in Pakistan. Maybe our administrative level may not be serving the nation well, but people are patriotic and enthusiastic in doing good to their Mother Land.

I have personally been a victim of terrorist attacks in Pakistan when my cousin died of a random shooting, when my Uncle was robbed whilst being gun pointed, when my neighbor’s son was kidnapped. Almost each Pakistani has such experiences to share. And issues like these will continue. Being a Pakistani, my heart bleeds for my fellow brothers and sisters. Much needs to be done! Every country has their own issues and we certainly have serious ones. But then good and bad come together hand in hand.

I am glad Paul that you had the opportunity to experience the hospitality that the people of Pakistan had to offer. Undoubtedly, Lahore houses one of the most hospitable men and women that one can come across. Pakistan beholds historical assets, marvels of architecture, the breeze of warm hospitalality, the serenity of the Northern Mountains, the “full of life” Punjab with it’s traditional richness, the culturally enriching Sindh & Balochistan, and the Khyber Pakhtuns who will give up their lives to save their visitors. I would not be surprised that you would be thrilled to visit the Northern Areas of Pakistan and many other places. I wish you safety in your future endeavors!
Moazzam April 19, 2014 at 12:13 pm · Reply →

Hi Paul

Thank you for trusting Pakistan and giving Lahore an honor to be your host. I am also a Lahori and I wish I could also see you here.
If anyone from anywhere want to visit Lahore. I can be the host and you would love to visit this place as Paul has shared.

Thank$
Raza Abbas April 19, 2014 at 12:43 pm · Reply →

Dear Paul,

It is a delight to read your post in relation to your recent visit to Lahore, Pakistan. I am happy to know that you were greeted with utmost hospitality, exactly what we “should” have been famous for around the world. Unfortunately, the ulterior motive of the decision makers around the world often over-shadows the true essence of a society, exactly like the case with Pakistan.

I am a born and bred Lahori and currently settled in Islamabad which is the capital of Pakistan. Being the capital, there is generally a higher density of expats living in Islamabad and trust me they all share the exact same feelings that you do. It is highly unfortunate to see a couple of replies stating how your post does not portray the actual scenario for the reason that your stay was limited to 36 hours, but there are expats who have been living in Pakistan since more than a year now and there isn’t a slight difference in their verdict on life in Pakistan than yours.

While there is definitely an air of terrorism that is present in Pakistan but it is restricted to a particular region. Just the way you can not compare the standard of living in New York to the standard of living in the Detroit in terms of crime rate and safety, one can not compare the standard of living in Lahore to the one in Kohat.

You should definitely re-visit Pakistan and explore other cities such as Islamabad, Karachi and the northern areas which are a fine example of the best scenic beauty.

Best,
Raza
Ozair April 19, 2014 at 1:57 pm · Reply →

Paul ,
Next time if you make a plan going to the northern areas of Pakistan , i suggest you go to Hunza , Fairy meadows ,Gilgit , Skardu , Deosai plains . There are a lot of Travel agencies there that can provide you a perfect itinerary and possibly all kinds of service you could require e.g porters , transport , accommodation etc . Direct P.I.A flights go from Islamabad to Skardu / Gilgit . The best season to go there would be from May to September .

Good luck with the future travelling .
Umar Khan April 19, 2014 at 5:38 pm · Reply →

Oh really, Paul? Your intention was “neither to conduct an in-depth sociological experiment or provide a detailed tourist guide to Lahore?” Wow what a weak cop out. Then again, expecting people like you to admit the duplicitous nature of their representations is like expecting a chameleon not to change its colors.

If your intention was not to provide a detailed tourist guide to Lahore, why did you frame your article in the format of the 36 hours in….series? By doing so you clearly wanted to give the misleading impression that you wanted to treat lahore the way any other city had been treated by the travel section of the New York times. If your intention was “simply to share the experience I had exploring both issues and places I was personally curious about based”, then why did you not title the article as “My experience in exploring the mentality of lahoris, and stopping to check out a couple of tourist spots as an aside”? It wouldn’t have anything to do with trying to make it look like you were doing Lahoris a big favor by ranking it right besides the 700 other cities that have been discussed in the 36 hours format, while really just appeasing your hosts to make them more amenable to opening up to you? Because here’s the thing; if you read the 36 hours in London article, for example, it goes on to describe the pubs and baths and tours and what not. You know what it’s NOT about? it’s not about some shady foreigner going around interrogating Londoners about their views on the social and political landscape of England. The same for New York: it talks about candy stores and the Lincoln theatre but NOWHERE does the author go around grilling people about their veiws on 9/11 or America’s subsequent military engagements or the racial profiling that became rampant in this country with the passage of legislation like the Patriot Act. I’m guessing the other 700 36 hours articles did not feature the kind of thinly disguised social assessment that seems to be the primary purpose of your article. Do me a favor and dont insult my intelligence or that of my fellow countrymen by trying to deny the intentionally misleading nature of this article and it’s format. You had an agenda before you went to Pakistan, and your activities there prove that agenda had nothing to do with exploring merit of Lahore as a tourist destination which is UNDENIABLY the implication you were trying to make in framing this article in the manner of the 36 hours in….series. Theres only two possiblities, either you are incredibly incompetent and thought that discussions of social and political issues passes for tourism, OR you were trying to mislead people on purpose into thinking that you wanted to give Lahore a chance and look past the stereotypes to asses the truth about what Lahore had to offer, while clearly you think that a city in PAkistan is relevant only to the extent that it must either confirm or dispell your own pre-conceived notions about the attitudes of PAkistan towards women. I an inclined to think that the later is the truth, because it’s hard to think anyone could be stupid enough to focus on people’s ideological perspectives when their chosen format dictates that they should be focusing on the sights, sounds and experiences of the CITY not it’s people. Because “management consultant” are generally not stupid: on the contrary management consultant firms hire the best of the best, the most intelligent. Because management consultancy is about helping better govern corporations, who in turn govern human affairs more than national governments can ever hope to. Management consultants are called on to employ their vast analytical skills to figure out how best to allow corporations to maximize their profits and disenfranchise the rest of the world. Next time you write an article, have the guts to own up to what you are really trying to do instead of pretending you’re just a harmless tourist trying to see the sights.
1. Paul April 19, 2014 at 8:02 pm · Reply →
  
  Umar, I am sorry that you feel that way. In a way, I certainly did have an agenda, that I very clearly outlined in my first post (http://www.beyondtheheadlines.org/2014/02/20/why-visit-pakistan/): to see another side of the narrative that we read about in the Western media. Since this media often makes it seems as if women in Pakistan have absolutely no rights whatsoever and Islam only teaches violence, these are two topics I was personally curious about. I am sorry you found the format of my post misleading, but I am publishing all your comments without any edits to let you share you perspective.
Hassan Aphtab April 19, 2014 at 9:55 pm · Reply →

An interesting response to an article we have been craving to read for a long time. It reinforces our denial. We as a nation have been mauled so dadly and so frequently that we have learnt to live with it. Only the people who have been directly effected by the violence can feel the desperate situation we face. Women in Pakistan are not only denied education but are also treated as second class citizen. They are traded and killed to defend family honour. They are raped on the orders of the community courts and are subject to acid attacks. Workplace harassment is common. We conveniently ignore that we failed to govern ourselves through a civilized and a robust democratic dispensation. Dictators are welcomed. Journalist are killed. Terrorists are set free by the courts out of fear of reprisals. The presidents and prime ministers avoid appearing in public out of fear. Places of worship are destroyed.
Waiting for the next suicide bombing to happen. This is not ordinary crime which inflicts big citied. Pick pockets do not go around blowing themselves up. The author is right that in this chaotic situation we have learnt to deny the clear and present danger and live a seemingly normal life.
abid hussain April 19, 2014 at 11:41 pm · Reply →

Its a good thing that you r doing Paul..!
Apart from the natural beauty, safety, cooperation and hospitable environment did u notice how cheap is it to live in Pakistan.
People who are living hand to mouth in America or Europe can live an elite life with the same earning… because the lowest avg income in any of the American state would be among highest of the earnings in Pakistan. Its lucrative for the foreigners isn’t it.
Waqas April 20, 2014 at 4:29 am · Reply →

Thank you Paul. Stay happy! greetings from Pakistan
Muhammad Naeem April 20, 2014 at 4:46 am · Reply →

Love to see this post; I am living in Lahore; and previously I was living in ‘Cavalry Ground’ Gloria Jeans, Old-City’s Food Street and Cuckoo’s Den are my favorite places here. I am extremely thankful to you Paul for describing the real picture of Lahore. Next time when you came to Lahore or Pakistan please be my guest. Lots of Love and bundle of thanks for this post.
Robyn April 20, 2014 at 6:24 am · Reply →

This is brilliant! I will definitely be keeping up to date with your adventures!
Lily April 20, 2014 at 12:20 pm · Reply →

*resubmitting because phrase was left out of last paragraph due to insertion of brackets*

Thanks Paul for sharing your experience and thanks to everyone else for sharing their perspective. The trouble I have with evaluating the safety of visiting Pakistan is NOT that I do not believe it is a beautiful country, or that the average Pakistani is welcoming and hospitable, or that Lahore is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. I do not believe Pakistan is full of bearded terrorists and that one is subject to encounter a suicide bomber on every street corner.

However, comparing crime rates in major American cities to incidences of violence in Pakistan is both facile and misleading. Yes, no matter where one visits one must be aware of one’s surroundings and use common sense. Some areas of town certainly have higher crime rates than others. But we’re not talking about concerns regarding crime in Pakistan, but rather the threat of terrorism. And that is an entirely different ball of wax.

One may be able to minimize the chances of being mugged by being aware of one’s surroundings and avoiding high crime areas, but a terrorist attack can happen anywhere at any time. And yes… that includes in the USA (e.g., 9/11 and last year’s bombing at the Boston Marathon).

But the concern with an American visiting Pakistan is that the very fact that one is an American makes one a target. As W. Raza noted, relations between America and Pakistan are poor and are deteriorating. Frankly, I can’t blame some Pakistanis if they feel less than kindly towards a country that is regularly conducting drone strikes. So with political tensions growing and the presence of the taliban and al-qaeda, it just doesn’t seem wise for Americans to throw caution to the winds. But then that is a very personal decision in terms of how much risk one is willing to take. But make no mistake that it definitely is a risk. Just because there are accounts of American tourists who have had wonderful visits doesn’t indicate otherwise. After all, it’s entirely possible to take a 2:00am stroll through –insert high-crime area in any major American city– unscathed and enjoy the unique beauty and solitude of the wee hours of the morning, but I wouldn’t recommend it. I personally would love to visit Pakistan one day… just not now.
1. Paul April 20, 2014 at 1:15 pm · Reply →
  
  Lily- I both agree that comparing crime to terrorism is not a directly fair comparison and that no one should “throw caution to the wind”. That said, I do not think it is as simple to say we have complete control over our risk of being subject to crime and no control over our risk of being targeted by terrorism. I know many people who have been mugged or worse in the nicest neighborhoods of San Francisco. Moreover, as far I can discern, the terrorist attacks in Lahore at least have generally not directly targeted foreigners. So yes, everyone should think carefully before traveling anywhere (or, for that matter, leaving their house), but my experience was that most Pakistanis actually went out of their way to be welcoming to break the stereotypes held by Americans versus hold a grudge. This ranged from the random people at the airport to people at a street carnival — all walks of life. Certainly this would not hold true in some tribal areas where people are much more directly impacted by US military actions. Some food for thought. But thank you for sharing your perspective.
David E. April 20, 2014 at 3:04 pm · Reply →

Hello Paul.
I recently too a trip to Pakistan as well, 2 and 1/2 weeks for a family wedding. We started in Karachi, then to Rahim Yar Khan, Lahore, then finally to Islamabad. I would say that you are spot on about the hospitality. I’ve never met a friendlier, more welcoming nation. When I was there, I was treated like a movie star. Invitations to houses for dinner, going out every night, and day, and the best food places every chance we got.
If I would have to take one of those places off the list, I would have to say Karachi would be the choice for me. The upper parts of Pakistan were cleaner, safer, and nicer. We were invited to Peshawar, which is just North Of Islamabad, but was told that is the unsafe place for Americans, and was warned by many locals to avoid that area.
One concern I came across, is that while we were traveling from Karachi to Rahim Yar Khan, by train, there was a bombing on the train tracks about 20 minutes ahead of us. It was reported that the bomb was meant for our train and prematurely detonated. I can’t express how happy I was that someone messed up when planning their surprise. I’m pretty sure that the bomb wasn’t meant for us, but thinking that it was me, my wife, 5yo daughter, and 3yo son, sure made me a little anxious about jumping on a train again. We rented a van and driver for the rest of the trip.
All in all, it was an excellent trip, and I am looking forward to going back as well. Happy, and safe journey to all who visit Pakistan.
Sulaiman Malik April 20, 2014 at 11:33 pm · Reply →

When are you coming to Isloo? I would love to show you around

High Mountains, Lahore -Throbbing Heart of Paksitan, Lakes in Valleys, Pakistan Beauty, Snow Covered K2

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WHY POOR OF PAKISTAN RESORT TO TERRORISM? THE DRACONIAN GRIP OF POLITICAL VULTURES

Posted by admin in Pakistan-A Nation of Hope on April 20th, 2014

THE VULTURES OF POLITICAL FAMILY MAFIA’S IN PAKISTAN

AND

THEIR “ISLAMIC” LIFESTYLES

One of the major causes of backwardness in Pakistan is the curse of mafia-based political families, who have a choke hold on Pakistan’s economy. These families are not only corrupt, but also hold a svengali grip on Pakistan’s economy. Over 120 million people Pakistan are are direct victims of the these Economic Nazis. The number runs into a few thousand people, but they have suppressed, a nation 180 million. Here is a list of these political cancerous lesion on Pakistan’s body politics. These wealthy families are blood sucking leeches and are like parasitic worms on the nation. Their children study in elite universities in UK, US, and Australia. Their children are also hypocrites (munafiqs), when they act as being advocates of down-trodden. They get they initial education in elite institutions like Aitchison College Lahore, Lawrence College,Ghora Gali, LUMS, Cadet College, Petaro, and a host of English-medium schools. One days fee for the children of elites is enough to feed a farming Pakistani for a whole year. While 180 Million Pakistanis barely eke a living, these Vultures on Pakistan’s Wealth have gnawed the meat on its skeletal remains. They are the biggest proponents of democracy and use it as a weapon to subjugate 180 Million others. While poor people in FATA and Thar starve to death, these Pakistani Romans Praetorians are enjoying their bacchanalian feasts in Islamabad (Islam’s bastion) with prostitutes imported from Central Asia Republics.

Tune

Dailymotion

Bhutto Family

The members of Bhutto family (Urdu: خاندان بھٹو) in politics:

▪ Pir Bux Bhutto

▪ Doda Khan Bhutto

▪ Khuda Bux Bhutto, Ameer Bux Bhutto, Illahi Bux Bhutto (Honorary Magistrate Larkana District)

▪ Ghulam Murtaza Bhutto, Rasul Bux Bhutto.

▪ Sir Shah Nawaz Bhutto– The Dewan of Junagadh and the Father of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (Member Bombay Council).

▪ Sardar Wahid Baksh Bhutto – (born 1898, died 25 December 1931) was a landowner of Sindh, an elected representative to the Central Legislative Assembly and an educational philanthropist.

▪ Nawab Nabi Bux Bhutto (Member, Central Legislative Assembly)

▪ Khan Bahadur Ahmad Khan Bhutto

▪ Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, son of Sir Shah Nawaz (President (1970–1973); Prime Minister (1973–1977))

▪ Sardar Mumtaz Bhutto, cousin of Zulfikar, (chief of Bhutto tribe, former chief minister and Governor of Sindh, Federal Minister of Pakistan)

▪ Nusrat Bhutto, wife of Zulfikar (former minister without portfolio)

▪ Benazir Bhutto, daughter of Zulfikar (Prime Minister, 1988–1990 and 1993–1996), assassinated December 27, 2007.

▪ Murtaza Bhutto, elder son of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the brother of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto. He was usually known as Murtaza Bhutto and was assassinated under mysterious circumstances.

▪ Shahnawaz Bhutto, Shahnawaz was studying in Switzerland when Zia ul Haq’s military regime executed his father in 1979. Prior to the execution On July 18, 1985, the 27 year old Shahnawaz was found dead in Nice, France. He died under mysterious circumstances.

▪ Fatima Bhutto, Fatima was born in Kabul, Afghanistan while her father Murtaza Bhutto was in exile during the military regime of General Zia ul Haq. Murtaza Bhutto, was son of former Pakistan’s President and Prime Minister, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

▪ Ameer Bux Bhutto, currently Vice President of Sindh National Front and also ex-Member of Sindh Assembly. He is son of Sardar Mumtaz Bhutto.

▪ Ali Hyder Bhutto, younger son of Sardar Mumtaz Ali Bhutto and brother of Ameer Bux Bhutto.

▪ Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Jr, his father Murtaza Bhutto was in exile during the military regime of General Zia ul Haq. Murtaza Bhutto, was son of former Pakistan’s President and Prime Minister, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.

Sharif Family

▪ Nawaz Sharif, Former Prime Minister of Pakistan

▪ Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Punjab

▪ Hamza Shahbaz Shareef, Son of Shahbaz Shareef, Member National Assembly of Pakistan

Soomro Family

The members of Soomro family (Urdu: خاندان سومرو) in politics are:

▪ Sardar Mohammad Usman Khan Soomro, Member of Legislative Assembly, 1937–1945

▪ Khan Bahadur Allah Bux Soomro, Twice Chief Minister of Sindh

▪ Khan Bahadur Maula Bux Soomro, Ex Federal and Provincial Minister, was Chief advisor to Zia ul Haq

▪ Ahmad Mian Soomro, Parliamentarian, Deputy Speaker of the West Pakistan Assembly, Senator

▪ Elahi Bux Soomro, remained Member of National Assembly of Pakistan, Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, Federal Minister

▪ Rahim Bux Soomro, Minister Sindh

▪ Mohammad Mian Soomro, remained President of Pakistan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Senate of Pakistan andGovernor of Sindh

▪ Begum Saeeda Soomro District Nazim Jacobabad

▪ Mohammad Khan Soomro, s/o Sardar Usman Soomro, remained MPA and Member of National Assembly of Pakistan

▪ Iftikhar Soomro, MPA, Provincial Minister Sindh

▪ Mr. Justice Ghulam Nabi Soomro, Hon’ble Justice, High Court of Sindh, Presently Chairman of Sindh Services Tribunal

▪ Sardar Junaid Haider Soomro, MPA of Sindh Assembly

▪ Afzal Soomro, Chief Justice, High Court of Sindh

▪ Ayaz Soomro, Law Minister Sindh

▪ Jameel Ahmad Soomro, Minister Sindh

Chaudhrys of Gujrat

The members of Chaudhry Family

▪ Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi (Late) (A seasoned parliamentarian who played a major role in restoration of democracy and human rights in Pakistan)

▪ Chaudhry Shujat Hussain (Prime Minister of Pakistan – June – August 2004)

▪ Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi (Chief Minister of Punjab – October – 2002 to October 2007)

▪ Chaudhry Wajahat Hussain (Younger brother of Chaudhry Shujat Hussain,Member of National Assembly)

▪ Chaudhry Shafaat Hussain (Younger brother of Chaudhry Shujat Hussain and the District Nazim of Gujrat since 2001)

▪ Moonis Elahi (Son of Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, Member of Punjab Assembly)

Jatoi Family

The members of Jatoi family in politics:

▪ Khan Bahadur Imam Bax Khan Jatoi

▪ Mir Abid Jatoi

▪ Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, Ex-Acting Prime Minister of Pakistan

▪ Masroor Jatoi, Son of Ghulam Mustafa Jatoi, MPA Sindh

▪ Abdul Hameed Khan Jatoi

▪ Liaqat Ali Khan Jatoi, Ex-Chief Minister Sindh, Federal Minister for Water and Power

Goraya Family

Prominent figures of the Goraya family:

▪ Jahan Khaan Goraya(politician)

▪ Chauhdry Sarfraz Khaan Goraya (MLA 1937 – 1969)

▪ Ghulam Rasool Goraya (MLA)

▪ Ch.Shahnawaz Goraya (MPA 1970 onwards)

Tanoli Family

▪ Nawab Muhammad Akram Khan ruler of amb Hazara

▪ Nawab Salah ud Din Khan (MNA)

▪ Habib ur Rehman Tanoli (Minister of Revenue)

▪ Sakhi Muhammad Tanoli

▪ Ghazala Habib Tanoli

▪ Malik Idrees Khan Nawabkhalli

Marwats

Some Notables of Marwat Family are listed below;

▪ Khan Sahib Khan Faizullah Khan Ghazni Khel (Biggest Indian Musliam contractor, Member Legelsative Assembly 1937-46)

▪ Justice (Rtd) Khan Habibullah Khan Marwat (1901–1978)was a Meenakhel by origin,educated at Islamia College Peshawar, Edwardes College Peshawar, ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSITY. Was Justice of West Pakistan High Court, first & second Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan. Justice Khan Habibullah Khan also remained as an acting President of Pakistan, when the President Fazal Ilahi Chaudhry went abroad. Pakistan’s Interior Minister and also Chief Minister of West Pakistan (One Unit).Was elected to the first ever Legislative Council of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (then NWFP) (1932) firsr as a member and later Deputy Speaker.

▪ Barrister Khan Saifullah Khan Ghazni Khel

▪ Khan Niamatullah Khan Ghazni Khel (Raees-e-Azam)

▪ Khan Abdur Rahim Khan Ghazni Khel ( Advocate of bannu, muslim league leader)

▪ Khan Dr Abdul Aziz Khan Ghazni Khel

▪ Khan Abdus Sattar Khan Ghazni Khel (second MNA from Bannu)

▪ Anwar Saifullah Khan (A sitting Parliamentarian, who earlier served as a Federal Minister twice)

▪ Senator Salim Saifullah Khan (former Federal Minister many times)

▪ Humayun Saifullah Khan, Member National Assembly of Pakistan

▪ Khan Muhammad Azeem Khan Meenakhel (Raees Lakki Marwat). (1912–1985). Younger brother of Khan Habibullah Khan Marwat. Remained CHAIRMAN Lakki Town Committee for 40 years (1937–1977).

▪ Muhammad Yousaf Khan Marwat Meenakhel (Lakki Marwat). (1930–1989). Elder son of Khan Habibullah Khan Marwat. Remained Senior Superintendent of Pakistan Railways Police SSP.

▪ Anwar Kamal Khan Marwat is a MeenaKhel by origin and a former Member of Provincial Assembly as well as a former Provincial Minister and Senator. Currently a General Secretary PML (N) Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

▪ (Justice) Shah Nawaz Khan was a Meenakhel by origin, who remained Chief Justice of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and also remained a Judge Supreme Court of Pakistan.

▪ Mohammad Saleem Khan Marwat, Meenakhel, Provincial Civil Service (Executive Branch), son of Khan Muhammad Azeem Khan Meenakhel (Born: 20-December-1938 – Died: 24-August-2009). Retired in 1998 from the status ofProvincial Secretary. He also remained as Managing Director (M.D) Frontier Education Foundation.

▪ Akhtar Munir Khan Marwat, a retired Captain of the Pakistan Army, is a Meenakhel by origin, and retired as Additional Federal Secretary (KANA) Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas to Government of Pakistan.

▪ Khan Mansoor Kamal Khan Marwat is Meenakhel by origin and son of Anwar Kamal Khan and grandson ofKhan Habibullah Khanis an engineer by profession and currently working for Orascom at Elite group of companies in Islamabad. He is also Divisional Chairman (BANNU) National Peace Counicil for Interfaith Harmony, (Ministry of Interior and Religious Affairs)

▪ Asadullah Khan Marwat, is Meenakhel by origin and grandson of KHAN HABIBULLAH KHAN MARWAT. He is presently working in Mobilink, Pakistan.

▪ Sanaullah Khan Marwat, is Meenakhel by origin and grandson of KHAN HABIBULLAH KHAN MARWAT. He is presently working in UNOPS as a SECURITY HEAD in Pakistan.

▪ Muhammad Akram Khan Meenakhel, Advocate, younger brother of Justice Shahnawaz Khan Meenakhel. Was elected MPA, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Minister for Excise and Taxation in Arbab Jahangir,s Cabinet (1985–88)

▪ ABEEDULLAH JAN Khan (s/o Nasrullah Khan) also belongs to Meenakhel clan, has been Chief Conservator of Forests NWFP, Inspector General (IG) of Forests & Additional Secretary, Govt of Pakistan. He remainedMinister for Food & Agriculture & Forests, Member (Provincial) NWFP Public Service Commission and lately Advisor to Chief Minister NWFP.

▪ Tariq Humayun Khan Marwat (late), was MEENAKHEL by origin was a renowed Politician of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. He was a President Millat Awami Party (Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa) and was a close friend of Farooq Ahmad Khan Laghari (President of Pakistan.

▪ Ayub Khan Marwat is Meenakhel by origin. He is younger son of Justice Shah Nawaz Khan, Meenakhel and is presently working as District & Session Judge D. I Khan. He also worked as Special Judge, Anti-Terrorist Court.

▪ Lt. Col. Zafar Iqbal Marwat s/o Abeed Ullah Jan Khan is commanding a prestigious Armed Regiment of Pakistan Army.

▪ Umar Farooq Marwat s/o Abeed Ullah Jan is a renewed Telecom Engineer working for Nokia Siemens Networks, Germany.

▪ Shahid Nawaz Marwat s/o (L) Tariq Hamayun Marwat is heading a leading construction and property business in NWFP & Punjab.

▪ Jamil Nawaz Marwat s/o Abeed Ullah Jan is a Social Worker & Vice Chaiman of leading business of Peshawar.

▪ Imran Khan Marwat s/o Abeed Ullah Jan is a Software Engineer working for Nokia Siemens Networks, Pakistan.

▪ Barristor Abid Nawaz Marwat s/o (L) Tariq Hamayun Khan is Meenakhel by origin and presently Senior Vice President of PML (Q) Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

▪ Fareedullah Khan Meenakhel, Advocate. Son of ATTAULLAH KHAN MEENAKHEL (Rtd)SP, formarly CHAIRMAN Khidmat Committee Lakki presently Tehsil Nazim Lakki Marwat.

▪ Professor Abul Ghaffar Khan Marwat, Meenakhel (1935–2008), ISLAMIA COLLEGE Peshawar, Chiraman & Head of the Chemistry Department, Provost Islamia College Peshawar.

▪ Dr. Tariq Saleem Marwat – belongs to the Meenakhel clan of Marwat Tribe. Founder Chairman of the “Flag Society of Pakistan” . Has Authored two books Bacha Saqqa – the Bandit King of Afghanistan” and a collection of Urdu Poetry RAZ . Has also compiled a monograph / Research work on the MARWAT TRIBE, with the name Kaarwaan-e-Marwat (Un-Published). An ardent book lover and avid reader (bibliomaniac), owing a beautiful and precious / valuable Library MAKHZAN at his ancestral Raees-Khana with a formidable collection of antique weapons, old photos and other interesting and worth seeing artifacts.

▪ Abdur Rasheed Khan Marwat is Meenakhel by origin and is currently working as SP Traffic Police, Peshawar.

▪ Asif Kamal Marwat is Meenakhel by origin. He is the elder son of Muhammad Yousaf Khan and presently working asExcise & Taxiation Officer, Shangla

▪ Rauf Kamal Marwat is Meenakhel by origin. He is the younger son of Muhammad Yousaf Khan and presently working as a Social Worker and give his maximum of time to Politics.

▪ Khan Ghulam Daud Khan is Meenakhel by origin and he was Deputy Commissioner DC.

▪ Ibrahim Kamal Khan Marwat (Born: 1939 Died: 14-July-1985)is Meenakhel by origin and first appointed as Naib Tehsildar then remained Assistant Political Agent APA of Khyber Agency & Aurakzai Agency after that he remained Extra Assistant Commissioner EAC at Kohat.

▪ Dr. Ishtaiq Ahmad Khan Marwat also belongs to the Meenakhel clan. He is currently DIG (Investigation) Peshawar region.

▪ Waheed Khan Marwat is Meenakhel by origin and currently working as a DC custom (SINDH).

▪ Waris Kamal Khan Marwat is Meenakhel by origin and at present SP Railway, Peshawar.

▪ Muhammad Younas Khan Marwat also belongs to MEENAKHEL clan,was a former Chairman Area Electricity Board Peshawar

▪ Khan Arifullah Khan,is Meenakhel by origin he remained as District Naib Nazim of Lakki Marwat.

▪ Salman Saleem Marwat , Student Leader (Peoples Student Fedration ) (Govt. Post G. Collage, Lakki Marwat)

Hayat Family

This family are touts of Colonial Empires, during 1857 War of Independence, they spied for the British.

Prominent figures of the Hayat Family:

▪ Nawab Muhammad Hayat Khan

▪ Nawab Aslam Hayat Khan

▪ Nawab Muzaffar-Ali-Khan

▪ Nawab Ghulam Khan

▪ Nawab Ghulab Khan

▪ Sardar Masood Hayat

▪ Sardar Sir Liaquat Hyat Khan – served as Prime Minister of Patiala State in India & prior to that as Home Minister.

▪ Sardar Sikander Hyat Khan – served as Prime Minister of United Punjab in pre-partitioned India.

▪ General Ahsan Hayat

Junejo Family

The members of Junejo family (Urdu: خاندان جونیجو) in politics:

▪ Raees-Ul-Muhajireen Barrister Jan Muhammad Junejo – Leader of the Khilafat Tehreek.

▪ Khan Bahadur Mohammad Hayat Junejo

▪ Ghulam Rasool Junejo – Former District Council Chairman, Tharparker

▪ Mohammad Khan Junejo Former Prime Minister of Pakistan

▪ Jam Sadiq Ali – Former Chief Minister Sindh

▪ Sarfaraz Ali Junejo- Taluka Nazim Sindhri, Mirpurkhas

▪ Chakar Ali Khan Junejo – Former Ambassador MPA

▪ Shahnawaz Khan Junejo – Former Federal Minister, MNA and Senator

▪ Roshan Junejo – MNA

Gardezi Family

The members of Gardezi family in politics:

▪ Syed Ahsan Mehdi Gardezi

▪ Syed Qaiser Raza Gardezi (MNA, Federal Minister)

▪ Syed Zohair Akbar Gardezi (senator)

▪ Syed Qais Raza gardezi (MNA Multan)

▪ Syed Imam Shah Gardezi,was Mausheer-i-Fauj,Bahawalpur State Forces.

▪ Syed Muhammed Nawaz Shah Gardezi I,was Chief Minister,Bahawalpur State in 1880.

▪ Syed Muraad Shah Gardezi, Native Agent and Chief Judge Bahawalpur State

▪ Syed Hassan Baksh Gardezi (Khan Bhaddur)

▪ Syed Ghulam Ali Shah Gardezi,was District Magistrate (died 1931).

▪ Syed Muhammed Nawaz Gardezi II,was elected MPA in 1963.

▪ Syed Ali Hussain Gardezi, elected MPA and Minister in Punjab Cabinet

▪ Sayyid Abbas Hussain Gardezi, elected MNA in 1971 and 1973

▪ Dr. Sayyid Ali Raza Gardezi, Principal Allama Iqbal Medical College, Minister (Health & Population)

▪ Syed Muhammad Kaswar Gardezi Secretary General National Awami Party

▪ Sayyid Haider Abbas Gardezi (PPP, member exec.comm.)

▪ Sayyid Hussain Jahania Gardezi (MPA)

▪ Sayyid Ahmed Nawaz Gardezi (MNA, Multan) brother Makhdum Raju Shah Gardezi

▪ syed Ahmad Nawaz Gardezi (MNA, Bahawalpur)

▪ Syed Tasneem Nawaz Gardezi (MNA, Bahawalpur)

▪ Syed Salman Ahmed Gardezi (MPA, Bahawalpur)

▪ Syed Irfan Ahmed Gardezi

▪ Syeda Bushra Nawaz Gardezi (MPA, Bahawalpur)

▪ Syed Sabir Hussain Gardezi

Bahram Khan‎ Family

Bahram Khan Family‘s family (Urdu: خاندان بهرام خان) in politics:

▪ Khan Abdul Bahram Khan‎, the founder of the family

▪ Khan Abdul Jabbar Khan, son of Khan Abdul Bahram Khan‎

▪ Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, son of Khan Abdul Bahram Khan‎

▪ Khan Abdul Ghani Khan, son of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan

▪ Khan Abdul Wali Khan, son of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan

▪ Nasim Wali Khan, wife of Khan Abdul Wali Khan

▪ Asfandyar Wali Khan, son of Khan Abdul Wali Khan

▪ Sangeen Wali Khan, son of Khan Abdul Wali Khan and Nasim Wali Khan

Badshah Khan’s Family

The members of Badshah Khan’s family (Urdu: خاندان بادشاه خان) in politics:

▪ Khan Mohammad Abbas Khan (Former member of Indian National Congress,served as the Interim Mister for Industries, Freedom fighter and an Active Member of Pakistan Muslim League) (cousin of Haroon Khan Badshah)

▪ Haroon Khan Badshah (Member of Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ex-provincial Minister for AgricultureKhyber-Pakhtunkhwa)

▪ Muhammad Hanif Khan (Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting 4-12-1988 to 28-1-1990,Speaker of the National Assembly 18-06-1973 to 08-04-1977)(Brother of Haroon Khan Badshah)

▪ Shahzada Muhammad Asif Khan (Member of Pakistan Peoples Party, First President of Pakistan Peoples Party ofMansehra) (Son of Haroon Khan Badshah)

▪ Shahzada Muhammad Gushtasip Khan (Former Provincial Minister of Education, Agriculture and Health, Member of Pakistan’s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Leader of the Opposition in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa ex-Home Minister and Interior Minister)(Son of Haroon Khan Badshah)

Hidayatullah Family

The members of Hidayatullah family of Sindh in politics:

▪ Ghulam Hussain Hidayat Ullah (First Muslim Chief Minister Sindh 24 April 1937 – 23 March 1938, 14 October 1942 – 14 August 1947, First Muslim Governor of Sind, 14 August 1947 – 4 October 1948)

▪ Lady Daulat Haroon Hidayatullah (Founder of All Pakistan Women’s Association(APWA), philanthropist and Author)

▪ Anwar Hidayatullah (Former Pakistani Ambassador to Brazil, Tunisia and Morocco. Former Consul General of Monoco)

▪ Ghazanfar Hidayatullah (Former Chief Secretary, PML-Q, Former member PPP)

▪ Charmaine Hidayatullah (Current Consul General to Monoco & Banker)

▪ Micki Hidayatallah (C.E.O Allis-Chalmers, Houston, TX)

Kasuri Family

▪ Sahibzada Ahmad Raza Khan Kasuri (Member of National Assembly) *Kasur1970 PPP

▪ Sahibzada Khizer Hayat Khan Kasuri(Member of National Assembly) *Kasur1988 Independent

Bhatti Family

▪ Rai Bashir Ahmad Khan Bhatti(late) (Member of legislative Assembly, Member of National Assembly) *Nankana

▪ Rai Rashid Ahmnad Khan Bhatti (Late) (Member of Provincinal Assembly, and National Assembly)*Nankana

▪ Rai Shahjhan Ahmad Khan Bhatti (Member of Provincinal Assembly) *Nankana

▪ Rai Sarwar Khan Bhatti (Chairman Market Committee Nankana)

▪ Rai Akram Bhatti (Former President District Bar Nankana)

Rao Family

▪ Rao Abdul Qavi Khan(Late)(Member of National Assembly)

▪ Rao Jahanzaib Qavi Khan(Son of Rao Abdul Qavi Khan)(MPA)

▪ Rao Muhammad Aslam Khan,Advocate(Late)(President PML(N),Sahiwal 1992to2004)(Member of National & Provincial Council PML(N))

▪ Rao Jehanzeb Wajid Ali Khan (son of Rao M.Aslam Khan Advocate(Late)PML(N),Sahiwal ) (Representative to Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif)(Member National & Provincial Council PML(N))

▪ Rao Muhammad Afzal Rehmani(Late)(Member of National Assembly)

▪ Rao Ajmal Khan and Rao Muhammad Tajamal Khan(Member of National Assembly)(Son of Rao Afzal)

▪ Rao Sikandar Iqbal(Ex)(Defense minister of Pakistan)

▪ Rao Atif Sikandar(Naib District Nazim Okara)(Son of Rao Sikandar)

▪ Rao Muhammad Qaiser Ali Khan(Member of National Assembly)

▪ Rao Muhammad Safdar Ali Khan(Brother of Rao Qaiser)(MPA)

▪ Rao Muhammad Jalal Ali khan(Brother of Rao Qaiser) & (Son in law of Rao Abdul Qavi Khan) (Ex)(Chairman of market committee Depalpur)

▪ Rao Muhammad Tahir Ali Khan(Son of Rao Qaiser)(Ex)(Naib nazim Tehsil Depalpur district Okara)

▪ Rao Muhammad Mohsin Ali Khan (Member of National Assembly)Son in Law of Rao Qaiser

▪ Rao Jamil Akhtar( Okara Tehsil Nazim)(Cousin of Rao Qaiser)

▪ Rao Khalid Khan(Cousin of Rao Qaiser)(MPA)

▪ Rao Fayyaz Aslam Khan(Nephew of Rao Afzal) (MPA)

▪ Rao Mohammad Hashim Khan,(Member of National Assembly,Ex-Chairman Public Accounts Committee)

▪ Rao Naseem Hashim Khan(District Nazim Pakpattan)

▪ Rao Muhammad Jameel Hashim Khan(Member of National Assembly) son of Rao Hashim

▪ Rao Shafaat Ali Chohan (Late)(Ex-MNA)(Migrated from Bharatpur, India)

Zia-ul-Haq Family

The members of Zia-ul-Haq’s family (Urdu: خاندان ضياءالحق) in politics:

▪ Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq (President of Pakistan, 1978–1988)

▪ Mohammad Ejaz-ul-Haq (son of Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq; cabinet minister)

Noon family

Noon Family (Urdu: خاندان نون) is major political family of Pakistan.

Members of Noon family:

▪ Khalid Malik Tiwana.ex.punjab minister from Faisalabad.

▪ Malik Aamir Ali Noon.Local political leader.

▪ Malik Adnan Hayat Noon.ex.MNA.

▪ Malik Akbar Hayat Noon

▪ Malik Amjad Ali Noon .Ex.ambassidar,Ex.chairman,The best honest political leader in Sargodha.

▪ Malik Anwar Ali Noon.ppp leader in Sargodha .

▪ Malik Asad Ali Noon. Banker.

▪ Malik Atta Noon

▪ Malik Azhar Hayat Noon

▪ Malik Fateh Muhammad Noon

▪ Malik Feroz Khan Noon Ex.Prime minister of Pakistan.

▪ Malik Hakim Khan Noon

▪ Malik Hamid Ali Noon

▪ Malik Manzor Hayat Noon

▪ Malik Mazhar Hayat Noon

▪ Malik Munawer Ali Noon

▪ Malik Nur Hayat Noon,

▪ Malik Sardar Khan Noon

▪ Malik Sultan Ali Khan Noon

▪ Malik Zahoor Hayat Noon

Leghari Family

The members of Leghari family (Urdu: خاندان لغاری), in politics:

▪ Nawab Sir Sardar Muhammad Jamal Khan Leghari (MLA and Minister)

▪ Nawab Sardar Muhammad Khan Leghari (MLA, MPA and Minister)

▪ Nawab Ata Muhammad Khan Leghari ICS (MPA)

▪ Nawab Mahmood Khan Leghari (MPA, Chairman District Board)

▪ Sardar Muhammad Afzal Khan Leghari (Minister Revenue Bhawalpur state, Member Board of Revenue)

▪ Begum Afifa Mamdot (MNA, MPA, Minister)

▪ Sardar Farooq Ahmaed Khan Leghari(ex President of Pakistan)*

▪ Sardar Muhammad Jaffer Khan Leghari (MNA, MPA, Chairman District Council Rajanpur)

▪ Sardar Haroon Arif Khan Leghari ( Ex Councellor Nowshera District ) Independent candidate MPA, Pirpai..the only Leghari in Pukhtunkhwa…grandson of Sardar Muhammad Afzal Khan Leghari of Rahimabad.

▪ Sardar Muhammad Omer Khan Leghari (MPA)

▪ Sardar Maqsood Ahmad Khan Leghari (MNA, MPA, Federal Minister, Provincial Minister, Chairman District Council DG Khan, Zila Nazim DG Khan)

▪ Sardar Mansoor Ahmad Khan Leghari (MPA, MNA, Senator, Chairman District Council DG Khan)

▪ Col. (Retd.)Sardar Rafiq Ahmad Khan Leghari (MPA “Punjab”)

▪ Sardar Muhammad Jamal Khan Leghari (Senator, Zila Nazim DG Khan)

▪ Awais Leghari (MPA, MNA, Federal Minister)

▪ Mina Ehsan Leghari (Mrs. Muhammad Jaffer Khan Leghari) (MNA)

▪ Sardar Muhammad Yusuf Khan Leghari (MPA)

▪ Sardar Muhammad Khan Leghari (MPA “Punjab”)

▪ Sardar Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari (MPA “Punjab”)

▪ Sardar Nadir Akmal Khan Leghari (MPA “Sindh” and Miniter)

▪ Sardar Rafiq Haider Khan Leghari (MPA “Punjab”, Minister, Chairman District Council RY Khan, Zila Nazim RY Khan)

▪ Sardar Muhammad Azhar Khan Leghari (MPA “Punjab”)

▪ Sardar Muhammad Arshad Khan Leghari (MNA)

▪ Dr. Javaid Leghari (Senator)

▪ Dr.Abdul Rauf leghari(Haematologist)

Qazi Family

The members of Qazi family (Urdu: خاندان قاضی), of Sindh in politics:

▪ Qazi Abdul Qayyum, the first Muslim President of the Hyderabad Municipality

▪ Qazi Muhammad Akbar, a long serving Sindh Provincial Minister, Ambassador of Pakistan, and son of Qazi Abdul Qayyum

▪ Qazi Abdul Majeed Abid (Qazi Abid), a four time Federal Minister, Sindh Provincial Minister, and son of Qazi Abdul Qayyum

▪ Qazi Muhammad Azam, a three time Member of Parliament (West Pakistan National Assembly) (in 1965,1971 and 1977) and son of Qazi Abdul Qayyum

▪ Hakeem Muhammad Ahsan, first Mayor of Karachi, Pakistan following independence of Pakistan in 1947, Ambassador of Pakistan to numerous countries, Senior Sindh Provincial Minister, and nephew of Qazi Abdul Qayyum

▪ Fahmida Mirza, current Speaker of the National Assembly, former Acting President of Pakistan, three time Member of the National Assembly, and daughter of Qazi Abid

▪ Qazi Asad Abid, a former Member of the National Assembly and son of Qazi Abid

▪ Ameena Ashraf, a former Member of the National Assembly and the Sindh Provincial Assembly and daughter of Qazi Muhammad Akbar

▪ Zulfiqar Mirza, current Sindh Provincial Home Minister, former Member of the National Assembly, and nephew of Qazi Abid, Qazi Azam, and Qazi Akbar.

▪ Pir Mazhar Ul Haq, current Senior Minister and Education Minister in the Sindh Provincial Cabinet, a three time SindhProvincial Minister, and grandson of Qazi Muhammad Akbar

▪ Marvi Mazhar, a former Member of the Provincial Assembly in Sindh and daughter of Pir Mazhar Ul Haq

Qazis of Chiniot:

Qazi Ghulam Shabir(mayor of Chiniot in British era always got elected unopposed) Qazi Hassan Safdar (Nazim Chiniot) Hassan Ali(Four time MPA Chiniot) Nawab Qazi Ghulam Murtaza (MLA – Congress) Other members of this family have been members of the Indian National Congress and the Legislative assembly and the names would be put up soon. The Qazi family of Chiniot is without a doubt a family counted among one of the very few Nawab families of Punjab. This family is also a relative of the Goraya family, which also is counted as one of the Nawab families of Punjab though their glorified period has become history but Mr.Shaukat Nawaz Goraya is a person who is toeing the ship of Goraya family and hopefully he is going to enter the field of politics.

Zardari family

The members of Zardari family (Urdu: خاندان زرداری), in politics:

▪ Hakim Ali Zardari, the patriarch of Zardari family

▪ Asif Ali Zardari, son of Hakim Ali Zardari and husband of Benazir Bhutto, President of Pakistan

▪ Azra Peechoho, daughter of Hakim Ali Zardari

▪ Faryal Talpur, daughter of Hakim Ali Zardari, Former Nazima Nawabshah District, MNA

▪ Bilawal Zardari, son of Asif Ali Zardari and Benazir Bhutto, Chairman Pakistan People’s Party

Tiwana Family

( Touts of Colonial British)

Continuing the old landlord legacy of Tiwana’s. The Tiwana politicians after partition of 1947:

▪ Malik Fateh Khan Tiwana Motiawala, Strongest/Richest Jagirdar of the areas of, Mitha Tiwana, Nurpur Tiwana, Bannu, Tank, Marwat(Ihsanpur), Sargodha, Khushab, Dera Ismail Khan. d.(1848)

▪ Nawab Khan Bahadur Lieutenant Hafiz Malik Muhammad Sher Khan Tiwana Rais of Mitha Tiwana was the Sardar/Leader of the tribe who Despite opposing the British, had titles of Honorary Magistrate, Honorary Lieutenant, Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel, Honorary Major-General, Speaker National Assembly (First Muslims student/pioneer to Recite Holy Quran in the Assembly of Aitchison Chief’s College, Lahore)

▪ Nawab Allah Buksh Tiwana Senator

▪ Malik Khuda Baksh Tiwana Former Minister Punjab, Chairman Zila Council Sargodha & Khushab

▪ Raheela Tiwana Ex-Deputy Speaker Sindh Assembly

▪ Malik Ghulam Muhammad Tiwana Zila Nazim Khushab, Chairman Zila Council Khushab, Ex-MNA

▪ Malik Anwer Tiwana Ex-MNA

▪ Malik Ehsan Ullah Tiwana Ex Zila Nazim Khushab, Chairman Zila Council Khushab

▪ Khuda Baksh Waghal Tiwana Ex-Chairman Zila Council Sargodha

Chaudhry’s of Chillianwala

▪ Chaudhry Iqbal (Muslim league MNA from 1960 to 1990)

▪ Chaudhry Ashraf (PPP senator and leader)

▪ Chaudhry Zaka ashraf (former advisor and Central leader PPP)

▪ Chaudhry jafar Iqbal (former minister, former deputy speaker N A and sectary general PML N)

▪ Chaudhry Nasir Iqbal (former MNA)

▪ Begum Ishrat Ashraf (MNA and former advisor to PM)

▪ Zaib jaffar (MPA)

▪ Maiza Hameed (MPA)

Qazis of Chiniot

▪ Qazi Ghulam Shabir(mayor of Chiniot in British era always got elected unopposed)

▪ Qazi Hassan Safdar (Nazim Chiniot)

▪ Hassan Ali(Four time MPA Chiniot)

▪ Nawab Qazi Ghulam Murtaza (MLA – Congress)

Other members of this family have been members of the Indian National Congress and the Legislative assembly and the names would be put up soon. The Qazi family of Chiniot is without a doubt a family counted among one of the very few Nawab families of Punjab. This family is also a relative of the Goraya family, which also is counted as one of the Nawab families of Punjab though their glorified period has become history but Mr.Shaukat Nawaz Goraya is a person who is toeing the ship of Goraya family and hopefully he is going to enter the field of politics.

Kakay Zai Kalarh

▪ Malik Bagh Ali.

▪ Malik Muhammad Bakhsh.

▪ Malik Fida Muhammad.

▪ Malik Arshad Nawaz.

Rana Family

▪ Rana Mohammad Phool Khan:Undefeated Member of Punjab and national assembly, Chief Minister Punjab (5 months)

▪ Rana Mohammad Iqbal Khan:Undefeated MPA.Minister from punjab.Speaker Punjab Assembly

▪ Rana Mohammad Hayat Khan:MNA,District Nazim Kasur,TMO Chairman

▪ Rana Mohammad Husnain Khan:MNA(2 years)

▪ Rana Mohammad Aslam Khan:DIG Kasur

▪ Rana Mohammad Imtiaz Khan:MNA and District Nazim Kasur

▪ Rana Mohammad Sarfraz Khan:MPA

▪ Rana Niaz Irfan: Chairman BISE Islamabad

Awan Family

▪ Sarfaraz Khan:Former Mla

Muhummad Raza Khan:Former Senator Of Pakistan 9 year’s elected senator and Then Advisor to chief Minister Nwfp Aftab Ahmed khan Sherpao Muhumamad Sikandar raza khan Young political Figure Of mansehra

Kalabagh Family (Mianwali):

Nawab of Kalabagh Malik Amir Muhammad Khan Ex Governer West Pakistan. Nawabzada Muzaffar Khan. Nawabzada Asad Khan. Nawabzada Malik Amad Khan MNA.

Sardaran Chakwal Talagang:

Sardar Faiz Khan Tamman. Sardar Mansur Hayat Tamman.Air Martial Noor Khan Awan.

Chakwal Maliks:

General Retd Majeed Malik (Ex Minister)

Maliks Of Khushab (Soon Valley):

Malik Karam Bakhsh Awan. Malik Bashir Awan. Malik Shakir Bashir Awan (MNA). Malik Umer Aslam Awan (Ex MNA). Malik Naeem Khan Awan (Ex Federal minister). Sumera Malik (MNA).

Maliks of Attock: Malik Aslam Khan (Ex MNA). Malik Amin Aslam Khan (Ex MNA). Malik Hakmeen Khan (senetor). Shahan Malik (MPA).

Khattar Awan Family (Attock): Sardar Sikander Hayat Khan. Sardar Shaukat Hayat Khan. Ghulam Sarwar Khan (Ex Minister). Sadiq Khan. Major Tahir Sadiq.

Golra Awan Family Islamabad: Anjum Aqeel Khan Awan(MNA)

Qazi Family Of Haripur Hazara: Qazi Muhammad Asad Khan Golra Sikanderpur (Provincial Minister)

Captain Rtd Safdar Awan of Khawari Mansehra (MNA)Rawalpindi

Malik Shakeel Awan (MNA)Kilyam Awan Rawalpindi

Sahibzada Muhammad Mehboob Sultan (MNA)Jhang

Malik Muhammad Jamil Awan (MNA)Gujrat

Malik Mukhtar Awan (Ex MNA Minister PPP Multan)

Malik Tayyub khan Awan (EX MPA Lodhran)

Malik Mushtaq Awan (Ex MNA Minister Sheikhupura)

Zaheer ud din Babar Awan (law Minister Senetor)

Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan (Minister MNA) Sialkot

Colonel Rtd Shabir Awan (MPA) Rawalpindi

Shafiq Khan (MPA) Taxila

Malik Zahoor Anwar (MPA) Tallagang

Ghulam Habib Awan (MPA) Lahore

See also

▪ Politics of Pakistan

References

Gill Family of Pakistan Chaudhari Imtiaz Ahmad Gill MNA

Chaudhari Shafi Gill Chairman District council Faisalabad

Zeb Imtiaz Gill MPA

External links

▪ Article on Political Families of Pakistan by the International Museum of Women.

Latif, Aamir Family Rules in Pakistani Politics IslamOnline.net (Retrieved 24-07-2008

Poverty in Pakistan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A slum in Karachi, Pakistan with an open sewer running along the lane.

Poverty in Pakistan is difficult to quantify. In 2006, the methodology used by the Pakistani government to estimate those living in poverty was challenged by the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP). At that time, the government estimate was that 23.9 per cent of the population lived below the poverty line but the independent organisations assessed the figure in the range of 25.7 – 28.3 per cent.^[1] Those independent bodies supported estimates of a considerable fall in the statistic by the 2007-08 fiscal year, when it was estimated that 17.2% of the total population lived below the poverty line.^[2] The declining trend in poverty as seen in the country during the 1970s and 1980s was reversed in the 1990s by poor federal policies and rampant corruption.^[3] This phenomenon has been referred to as the “poverty bomb”.^[4] In 2001, the government was assisted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in preparing the Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper that suggests guidelines to reduce poverty in the country.^[5]

Pakistan fares better than India and Bangladesh on most poverty markers such as the UN MPI index and its poverty rate is below those nations.^[6]

As of 2009, Pakistan’s Human Development Index (HDI) is 0.572, higher than that of nearby Bangladesh’s 0.543, which was formerly a part of the country itself. Pakistan’s HDI still stands lower than that of neighbouring India’s at 0.612.^[7]

According to the HDI, 60.3% of Pakistan’s population lives on under $2 a day, compared to 79% in nearby India and 81.3% in nearby Bangladesh,^[8] and some 28.6% live under $1 a day, compared to 24.9% in India and 49.6% in Bangladesh^[9]

Wealth distribution in Pakistan is highly uneven, with the top 10% of the population earning 27.6% and the bottom 10% earning only 4.1% of the income^[10] According to the United Nations Human Development Report, Pakistan’s human development indicators, especially those for women, fall significantly below those of countries with comparable levels of per-capita income. Pakistan also has a higher infant mortality rate (88 per 1000) than the South Asian average (83 per 1000).^[11]

[hide]

Spatial distribution of poverty

At the time of partition and independence in 1947, Pakistan inherited the most backward parts of South Asia with only one university, one Textile Mill and one Jute Factory. The country has made tremendous progress and its per Capita GNP remains the highest in South Asia. During the last decade poverty elimination programs helped many of the poor to participate and rise up. However the Global financial crisis and other factors like the occupation of Afghanistan have impacted Pakistani growth. Poverty in Pakistan has historically been higher in rural areas and lower in the cities. Out of the total 40 million living below the poverty line, 30 million live in rural areas. Poverty rose sharply in the rural areas in the 1990s ^[12] and the gap in income between urban and rural areas of the country became more significant. This trend has been attributed to a disproportionate impact of economic events in the rural and urban areas. Punjab also has significant gradients in poverty among the different regions of the province.^[12]

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan was one of the most backward regions of the South Asia. Despite this, tremendous progress has been made in many areas. The NWFP now boasts several universities including the Ghulam Ishaq Khan University of Science and Technology.Peshawar a sleep cantonment during British towns is a modern cosmopolitan city. Much more can be done to invest in the social and economic structures. NWFP remains steeped in tribal culture, though the biggest Pahan city is Soviet invasion of neighboring Afghanistan is intact and according to Western reports supported the Taliban regime.^{[citation needed]} These and other activities have led to a breakdown of law and order in many parts of the region.^[13]

Poverty and gender

The gender discriminatory practices in Pakistani society also shape the distribution of poverty in the country. Traditional gender roles in Pakistan define the woman’s place as in the home and not in the workplace, and define the man as the breadwinner. Consequently, the society invests far less in women than men.^[14] Women in Pakistan suffer from poverty of opportunities throughout their lives. Female literacy in Pakistan is 43.6% compared to Male literacy at 68.2%, as of 2008.^[15] In legislative bodies, women constituted less than 3% of the legislature elected on general seats before 2002. The 1973 Constitution allowed reserved seats for women in both houses of parliament for a period of 20 years, thus ensuring that women would be represented in parliament regardless of whether or not they are elected on general seats. This provision lapsed in 1993, so parliaments elected subsequently did not have reserved seats for women. Reserved seats for women have been restored after the election of 2002 .^[16] Female labour rates in Pakistan are exceptionally low.

Economic and social vulnerability

Administrative Unit1998 Census1981 CensusBoth SexesMaleFemalePakistan19.6820.195.053.1Rural19.9820.405.502.3Urban19.1319.774.495.2Khyber Pakhtunkhwa26.8327.512.582.2Rural28.1628.644.002.0Urban21.0022.340.743.7Punjab19.1019.605.503.2Rural18.6019.006.002.5Urban20.1020.74.705.0Sindh14.4314.864.693.3Rural11.9512.263.701.6Urban16.7517.315.405.8Balochistan33.4834.148.673.1Rural35.2635.929.813.0Urban27.6728.335.354.0Islamabad15.7016.801.7010.7Rural28.7029.408.2013.5Urban10.1011.000.809.0Unemployment Rate: It is the percentage of persons unemployed (those looking for work and temporarily laid off) to the total economically active population (10 years and above). Source: [3]

Socio-Economic Status of Pakistanis, source:^[17]

“Vulnerability” in this case stands for the underlying susceptibility of economically deprived people to fall into poverty as a result of exogenous random shocks. Vulnerable households are generally found to have low expenditure levels. Households are considered vulnerable if they do not have the means to smooth out their expenses in response to changes in income. In general, vulnerability is likely to be high in households clustered around the poverty line. Since coping strategies for vulnerable households depend primarily on their sources of income, exogenous shocks can increase reliance on non-agricultural wages. Such diversification has not occurred in many parts of Pakistan, leading to an increased dependence on credit.^[18]

While economic vulnerability is a key factor in the rise of poverty in Pakistan, vulnerability also arises from social powerlessness, political disenfranchisement, and ill-functioning and distortionary institutions, and these also are important causes of the persistence of vulnerability among the poor.^[19]

Other causes of vulnerability in Pakistan are the everyday harassment by corrupt government officials, as well as their underperformance, exclusion and denial of basic rights to many in Pakistan. Also, lack of adequate health care by the state lead the poor to seek private sources, which are expensive, but still preferable to the possibility of medical malpractice and being given expired medicines in state run medical facilities. Also, the failure by the state to provide adequate law and order in many parts of the country is a factor in the rise of vulnerability of the poor.^[19]

Environmental issues

Environmental problems in Pakistan, such as erosion, use of agro-chemicals, deforestation etc. contribute to rising poverty in Pakistan. Increasing pollution contributes to increasing risk of toxicity, and poor industrial standards in the country contribute to rising pollution.^[20]^[21]

Lack of adequate governanceBy the end of the 1990s, the manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country’s social and economic resources for development emerged as Pakistan’s foremost developmental problem. Corruption and political instabilities such as the insurgency in Balochistan and decade long armed conflict with the Taliban in Waziristan region resulted in reduction of business confidence, deterioration of economic growth, reduced public expenditure, poor delivery of public services, and undermining of the rule of law.^[22] The perceived security threat on the border with India has dominated Pakistan’s culture and has led to the domination of military in politics, excessive spending on defense at the expense of social sectors, and the erosion of law and order.Pakistan has been run by military dictatorships for large periods of time, alternating with limited democracy.^[23]^[24] These rapid changes in governments led to rapid policy changes and reversals and the reduction of transparency and accountability in government. The onset of military regimes have contributed to non-transparency in resource allocation. In particular, the neglect by the Pakistani state of the Balochistan andKhyber Pakhtunkhwa has rendered the region poverty-stricken [4]. Those who do not constitute the political elite are unable to make political leaders and the Government responsive to their needs or accountable to promises. Development priorities are determined not by potential beneficiaries but by the bureaucracy and a political elite which may or may not be in touch with the needs of the citizens. Political instability and macroeconomic imbalances have been reflected in poor creditworthiness ratings, even compared to other countries of similar income levels, with resulting capital flight and lower foreign direct investment inflows. The current government of Pakistan has professed commitments to reforms in this area.^[25]In addition, Pakistan’s major cities and urban centres are home to an estimated 1.2 million street children. This includes beggars and scavengers who are often very young. The law and order problem worsens their condition as boys and girls are fair game to others who would force them into stealing, scavenging and smuggling to survive. A large proportion consumes readily available solvents to starve off hunger, loneliness and fear. Children are vulnerable to contracting STDs such as HIV/AIDS, as well as other diseases.^[26]

Feudalism

Pakistan is home to a large feudal landholding system where landholding families hold thousands of acres and do little work on the agriculture themselves. They enlist the services of their serfs to perform the labor of the land.^[27] 51% of poor tenants owe money to the landlords.^[28] The landlords’ position of power allows them to exploit the only resource the poor can possibly provide: their own labor.

Poverty and Militancy

Poverty and the lack of a modern curriculum have proved destabilizing factors for Pakistani society that have been exploited by militant organizations banned by the government to run schools and produce militant literature. Though many madrassas are benign, there are those that subscribe to the radicalist sect of Wahabi Islam,.^[29]^[30]

As a result, militant Islamic political parties have become more powerful in Pakistan and have considerable sympathy among the poor. This phenomenon is more pronounced in the North Western Frontier Province.^[31]

Inequality and natural disasters

Main article: 2010 Pakistan floods

The recent 2010 Pakistan floods have accentuated differences between the wealthy and poor in Pakistan. Abdullah Hussain Haroon, Pakistan’s diplomat to the United Nations, has alleged that wealthy feudal warlords and landowners in Pakistan have been diverting funds and resources away from the poor and into their own private relief efforts.^[32] Haroon also alluded to was evidence that landowners had allowed embankments to burst, leading to water flowing away from their land.^[33] There are also allegations that local authorities colluded with the warlords to divert funds.^[34] The floods have accentuated the sharp divisions in Pakistan between the wealthy and the poor. The wealthy, with better access to transportation and other facilities, have suffered far less than the poor of Pakistan.^[35]

INDIAN BACKDOOR ANTI-PAKISTAN ACTIVITIES IN AFGHANISTAN: India to pay Russia for arms, ammo it sells to Afghanistan

Posted by admin in Pakistan-A Nation of Hope on April 20th, 2014

India to pay Russia for arms, ammo it sells to Afghanistan

Written by Pranab Dhal Samanta | New Delhi | April 18, 2014 2:23 am

The first order under this deal, sources said, is already being executed.

India, foments trouble by providing arms and ammunition to strengthen the Afghan National Army.

Read the rest of this entry »

India Meddling in Afghanistan.Karzai India Stooge, Russia-India Axis

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TRAITORS GALLERY OF PAKISTAN

Posted by admin in Pakistan-A Nation of Hope on April 19th, 2014

TRAITORS GALLERY OF PAKISTAN

Mohammad Jamil

TRAITORS GALLERY OF PAKISTAN: MIR JAFFERS OF PAKISTAN HONORED IN BANGLADESH:

HAMID MIR, ASMA JEHANGIR, MIR HASIL BIZENJO,SALIMA HASHMI, ANWER PIRZADA, FAEZ ISA,IQBAL AHMED, TAHIRA JALIB & NAJAM SETHI

They live on our land. They eat our bread. Our soldiers protect their freedom. The taste our salt. But, they sleep with the enemy. They are simply called NAMAK HARAAM.

Anchorperson and columnist of a large media group Hamid Mir, in his recent column titled ‘Pachtaway’ (repentances) has apprised the audience about details of ceremony held to honor friends of Bangladesh on 24th March 2013. He had gone to Dhaka to receive the award of his father Late Professor Waris Mir, who stood for freedom of speech and enjoyed respect in literary circles and in media.
Hamid Mir had every right to accept this award, but the way he commented negatively in his column has brought disgrace to Pakistan. Anticipating the reaction, Hamid Mir wrote: “Some people lacking intelligence may dub them as traitors, yet 13 Pakistanis decided to accept the award”. It is true that some people had genuinely felt that Awami League having a clear majority in the national assembly should have been given the right to form the government. And Professor Mir was one of them. But one would not know that if Professor Waris Mir were alive, whether he would have gone to Bangladesh to receive such award.
Some writers had opposed Bangladesh government for its decision to honor friends of Bangladesh and opined that only unconscionable Pakistanis would accept such award. In December 2012, when the names of ‘Friends of Bangladesh’ were announced, Sheikh Hasina had refused to attend D-8 conference in Pakistan unless Pakistan tendered apology for, what she said, genocide of Bengalis. Mst Asma Jahangir also received award on behalf of his late father Malik Ghulam Jilani, who was Vice President West Pakistan Awami League, it was understood that he was awarded. Otherwise also people know Asma Jahangir’s views about Pakistan and its military. Salima Hashmi, who received the award on behalf of his father late Faiz Ahmed Faiz by the Bangladesh government on 24th March 2013, said: “The Pakistan government should formally apologise to the people of Bangladesh for the atrocities committed by Pakistan occupation army during the War of Independence in 1971”. This is exactly the same language that Sh. Hasina Wajid speaks.
Late Mir Ghous Bakhsh Bizenjo was posthumously given ‘Bangladesh Liberation War Honour Award’, which was received by his son Mir Hasil Bizenjo. Tahira Jalib received the award declared for Habib Jalib. Begum Tahira Mazhar Ali Khan, Ahmed Salim, Dr. Iqbal Ahmed, Sindhi poet Inwar Pirzada and Qazi Faez Isa were also given awards for opposing military operation in then East Pakistan. One should differentiatebetween opposing the military action in the then East Pakistan and those receiving awards for being friends of Bangladesh.
If Bangladesh government is pro-India and continues Pakistan-bashing, then those who received awards are not sincere with Pakistan. They do not feel qualms in condemning and blaming Pakistan while turning a blind against the horrors of Mukti Bahini and India’s role; hence they are not patriots. Pakistan had formed Hamood-ur-Rehman Commission to investigate into the causes of the tragedy of disintegration of Pakistan, and the excesses perpetrated in then East Pakistan, of course by the rebels and the military that was trying to quell the rebellion.
Hamood-ur-Rehman Commission Report observed that formation of One-unit, principle of parity, unitary form of government and system of basic democracies were the reasons for alienating the people of smaller provinces that led to disintegration of Pakistan. Whereas the commission criticized the then military and politicos for their ineptness, it had debunked the propaganda by India that two to three million Bengalis had been killed by the Pakistan army. The Commission had put the figure of casualties at twenty six thousand including the killings of West Pakistanis, members of Pakistan’s security personnel and Biharis that were butchered by Mukti Bahini guerillas. Anyhow, former prime minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia is on record having said that figure of three million dead was highly exaggerated. Many books have been written calling the genocide of Bengalis farce; however those under the influence of India or writers with anti-Pakistani streak put the figure as high as 3 million.
It has to be mentioned that people have not forgotten the genocide of non-Bengalis during the civil war and afterwards at the hands of Bengali nationalists. However, Pakistan considered the matter settled, as Sheikh Mujib had made no demand for apology during his visit to Lahore to attend Islamic Summit or even after that. But Sheikh Hasina has shown complete obedience towards Indian masters, be it humiliating Pakistan or be it providing and unwavering support to India, which has deprived Bangladesh of its right over river Barak when India unilaterally decided to build a Tipaimukh dam on this site with huge reservoir. This means that River Barak, which flows into Bangladesh from the Indian state of Manipur, will go dry completely. India is also concentrating small rivers flowing from India to Bangladesh to make a mainstream in India to use water for its domestic needs; thus depriving Bangladeshi farmers of water by diverting its rivers. There was also dispute between India and Bangladesh on the matter of fencing the border by India.
Many writers hold the view that on 16th December 1971, Pakistan was dismembered as a result of international terrorism. India was, of course, on the forefront whereby the former USSR helped India in implementing the insidious plan to disintegrate Pakistan. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s so-called friends – America and the West – acted as silent spectators. A lot many books, theses and reviews have been written on the causes of fall of Dacca and disintegration of Pakistan. It was unfortunate that in 1971 the UN and the big powers did nothing to stop India to dismember independent country with recognized international boundaries. Anchorperson and columnist of a large media group Hamid Mir, in his recent column titled ‘Pachtaway’ (repentances) has apprised the audience about details of ceremony held to honor friends of Bangladesh on 24th March 2013. He had gone to Dhaka to receive the award of his father Late Professor Waris Mir, who stood for freedom of speech and enjoyed respect in literary circles and in media.
Hamid Mir had every right to accept this award, but the way he commented negatively in his column has brought disgrace to Pakistan. Anticipating the reaction, Hamid Mir wrote: “Some people lacking intelligence may dub them as traitors, yet 13 Pakistanis decided to accept the award”. It is true that some people had genuinely felt that Awami League having a clear majority in the national assembly should have been given the right to form the government. And Professor Mir was one of them. But one would not know that if Professor Waris Mir were alive, whether he would have gone to Bangladesh to receive such award.
Some writers had opposed Bangladesh government for its decision to honor friends of Bangladesh and opined that only unconscionable Pakistanis would accept such award. In December 2012, when the names of ‘Friends of Bangladesh’ were announced, Sheikh Hasina had refused to attend D-8 conference in Pakistan unless Pakistan tendered apology for, what she said, genocide of Bengalis. Mst Asma Jahangir also received award on behalf of his late father Malik Ghulam Jilani, who was Vice President West Pakistan Awami League, it was understood that he was awarded. Otherwise also people know Asma Jahangir’s views about Pakistan and its military. Salima Hashmi, who received the award on behalf of his father late Faiz Ahmed Faiz by the Bangladesh government on 24th March 2013, said: “The Pakistan government should formally apologise to the people of Bangladesh for the atrocities committed by Pakistan occupation army during the War of Independence in 1971”. This is exactly the same language that Sh. Hasina Wajid speaks.
Late Mir Ghous Bakhsh Bizenjo was posthumously given ‘Bangladesh Liberation War Honour Award’, which was received by his son Mir Hasil Bizenjo. Tahira Jalib received the award declared for Habib Jalib. Begum Tahira Mazhar Ali Khan, Ahmed Salim, Dr. Iqbal Ahmed, Sindhi poet Inwar Pirzada and Qazi Faez Isa were also given awards for opposing military operation in then East Pakistan. One should differentiate between opposing the military action in the then East Pakistan and those receiving awards for being friends of Bangladesh.
If Bangladesh government is pro-India and continues Pakistan-bashing, then those who received awards are not sincere with Pakistan. They do not feel qualms in condemning and blaming Pakistan while turning a blind against the horrors of Mukti Bahini and India’s role; hence they are not patriots. Pakistan had formed Hamood-ur-Rehman Commission to investigate into the causes of the tragedy of disintegration of Pakistan, and the excesses perpetrated in then East Pakistan, of course by the rebels and the military that was trying to quell the rebellion.
Hamood-ur-Rehman Commission Report observed that formation of One-unit, principle of parity, unitary form of government and system of basic democracies were the reasons for alienating the people of smaller provinces that led to disintegration of Pakistan. Whereas the commission criticized the then military and politicos for their ineptness, it had debunked the propaganda by India that two to three million Bengalis had been killed by the Pakistan army. The Commission had put the figure of casualties at twenty six thousand including the killings of West Pakistanis, members of Pakistan’s security personnel and Biharis that were butchered by Mukti Bahini guerillas. Anyhow, former prime minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia is on record having said that figure of three million dead was highly exaggerated. Many books have been written calling the genocide of Bengalis farce; however those under the influence of India or writers with anti-Pakistani streak put the figure as high as 3 million.
It has to be mentioned that people have not forgotten the genocide of non-Bengalis during the civil war and afterwards at the hands of Bengali nationalists. However, Pakistan considered the matter settled, as Sheikh Mujib had made no demand for apology during his visit to Lahore to attend Islamic Summit or even after that. But Sheikh Hasina has shown complete obedience towards Indian masters, be it humiliating Pakistan or be it providing and unwavering support to India, which has deprived Bangladesh of its right over river Barak when India unilaterally decided to build a Tipaimukh dam on this site with huge reservoir. This means that River Barak, which flows into Bangladesh from the Indian state of Manipur, will go dry completely. India is also concentrating small rivers flowing from India to Bangladesh to make a mainstream in India to use water for its domestic needs; thus depriving Bangladeshi farmers of water by diverting its rivers. There was also dispute between India and Bangladesh on the matter of fencing the border by India.
Many writers hold the view that on 16th December 1971, Pakistan was dismembered as a result of international terrorism. India was, of course, on the forefront whereby the former USSR helped India in implementing the insidious plan to disintegrate Pakistan. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s so-called friends – America and the West – acted as silent spectators. A lot many books, theses and reviews have been written on the causes of fall of Dacca and disintegration of Pakistan. It was unfortunate that in 1971 the UN and the big powers did nothing to stop India to dismember independent country with recognized international boundaries. Anchorperson and columnist of a large media group Hamid Mir, in his recent column titled ‘Pachtaway’ (repentances) has apprised the audience about details of ceremony held to honor friends of Bangladesh on 24th March 2013. He had gone to Dhaka to receive the award of his father Late Professor Waris Mir, who stood for freedom of speech and enjoyed respect in literary circles and in media.
Hamid Mir had every right to accept this award, but the way he commented negatively in his column has brought disgrace to Pakistan. Anticipating the reaction, Hamid Mir wrote: “Some people lacking intelligence may dub them as traitors, yet 13 Pakistanis decided to accept the award”. It is true that some people had genuinely felt that Awami League having a clear majority in the national assembly should have been given the right to form the government. And Professor Mir was one of them. But one would not know that if Professor Waris Mir were alive, whether he would have gone to Bangladesh to receive such award.
Some writers had opposed Bangladesh government for its decision to honor friends of Bangladesh and opined that only unconscionable Pakistanis would accept such award. In December 2012, when the names of ‘Friends of Bangladesh’ were announced, Sheikh Hasina had refused to attend D-8 conference in Pakistan unless Pakistan tendered apology for, what she said, genocide of Bengalis. Mst Asma Jahangir also received award on behalf of his late father Malik Ghulam Jilani, who was Vice President West Pakistan Awami League, it was understood that he was awarded. Otherwise also people know Asma Jahangir’s views about Pakistan and its military. Salima Hashmi, who received the award on behalf of his father late Faiz Ahmed Faiz by the Bangladesh government on 24th March 2013, said: “The Pakistan government should formally apologise to the people of Bangladesh for the atrocities committed by Pakistan occupation army during the War of Independence in 1971”. This is exactly the same language that Sh. Hasina Wajid speaks.
Late Mir Ghous Bakhsh Bizenjo was posthumously given ‘Bangladesh Liberation War Honour Award’, which was received by his son Mir Hasil Bizenjo. Tahira Jalib received the award declared for Habib Jalib. Begum Tahira Mazhar Ali Khan, Ahmed Salim, Dr. Iqbal Ahmed, Sindhi poet Inwar Pirzada and Qazi Faez Isa were also given awards for opposing military operation in then East Pakistan. One should differentiate between opposing the military action in the then East Pakistan and those receiving awards for being friends of Bangladesh.
If Bangladesh government is pro-India and continues Pakistan-bashing, then those who received awards are not sincere with Pakistan. They do not feel qualms in condemning and blaming Pakistan while turning a blind against the horrors of Mukti Bahini and India’s role; hence they are not patriots. Pakistan had formed Hamood-ur-Rehman Commission to investigate into the causes of the tragedy of disintegration of Pakistan, and the excesses perpetrated in then East Pakistan, of course by the rebels and the military that was trying to quell the rebellion.
Hamood-ur-Rehman Commission Report observed that formation of One-unit, principle of parity, unitary form of government and system of basic democracies were the reasons for alienating the people of smaller provinces that led to disintegration of Pakistan. Whereas the commission criticized the then military and politicos for their ineptness, it had debunked the propaganda by India that two to three million Bengalis had been killed by the Pakistan army. The Commission had put the figure of casualties at twenty six thousand including the killings of West Pakistanis, members of Pakistan’s security personnel and Biharis that were butchered by Mukti Bahini guerillas. Anyhow, former prime minister of Bangladesh Khaleda Zia is on record having said that figure of three million dead was highly exaggerated. Many books have been written calling the genocide of Bengalis farce; however those under the influence of India or writers with anti-Pakistani streak put the figure as high as 3 million.
It has to be mentioned that people have not forgotten the genocide of non-Bengalis during the civil war and afterwards at the hands of Bengali nationalists. However, Pakistan considered the matter settled, as Sheikh Mujib had made no demand for apology during his visit to Lahore to attend Islamic Summit or even after that. But Sheikh Hasina has shown complete obedience towards Indian masters, be it humiliating Pakistan or be it providing and unwavering support to India, which has deprived Bangladesh of its right over river Barak when India unilaterally decided to build a Tipaimukh dam on this site with huge reservoir. This means that River Barak, which flows into Bangladesh from the Indian state of Manipur, will go dry completely. India is also concentrating small rivers flowing from India to Bangladesh to make a mainstream in India to use water for its domestic needs; thus depriving Bangladeshi farmers of water by diverting its rivers. There was also dispute between India and Bangladesh on the matter of fencing the border by India.
Many writers hold the view that on 16th December 1971, Pakistan was dismembered as a result of international terrorism. India was, of course, on the forefront whereby the former USSR helped India in implementing the insidious plan to disintegrate Pakistan. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s so-called friends – America and the West – acted as silent spectators. A lot many books, theses and reviews have been written on the causes of fall of Dacca and disintegration of Pakistan. It was unfortunate that in 1971 the UN and the big powers did nothing to stop India to dismember independent country with recognized international boundaries.
After the break-up of Pakistan, India declared that two-nation theory had sunk in the Bay of Bengal. But eidetic reality was that Bangladesh became an independent country with Muslim identity, and in general Bangladeshis are not willing to accept India’s hegemony. Bangladesh had also refused to send its troops to Afghanistan, which seems to be the result of the fact that Bangladeshis guard their freedom very jealously, despite Sheikh Hasina’s appeasement policy towards India.

Traitors Gallery of Pakistan

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Air War at the Top of the World

Posted by admin in Pakistan-A Nation of Hope on April 19th, 2014

However, Pakistan maintained the initiative for most of the Kargil War. Both the nature of the challenge the IAF faced in the Himalayan heights and the targeting requirements that ensued from it dictated a suboptimal use of India’s air weapon.

Air War at the Top of the World

By Ben Lambeth

India and Pakistan’s mid-1999 war is almost forgotten in the West, but was the highest-elevation conflict ever.

The Kargil War between India and Pakistan, waged in the disputed and mountainous Kashmir region in mid-1999, rates as the highest-elevation conflict in air war history. The clash lasted 74 days and cost more than 1,000 killed and wounded on each side. Though a blank to most Westerners, the Indian Air Force (IAF) experience was a milestone, providing insights into uses of airpower in extremely demanding combat settings.

The Western profile of this war is low, receding to the vanishing point. It was pushed off the front pages by NATO’s higher profile air war over Serbia, fought at the same time. Still, it bears closer examination.

The seeds of war were planted in March 1999, when units of the Pakistani Army’s Northern Light Infantry (NLI) crossed the so-called line of control (LOC) into India’s portion of contested Kashmir in the Himalayas. From this new vantage point, Pakistani troops overlooked the Indian town of Kargil.

The LOC that separates the Indian- and Pakistani-held portions of Kashmir bisects some of the world’s highest and most forbidding terrain. Because of dangerous weather, the Indian Army, in harsh winter months, routinely vacated inhospitable forward outposts that it normally manned.

Too Much Jawboning

When the Indians withdrew in the late winter months of 1999, however, Pakistan mounted an infiltration that sought to make the most of this opportunity.


An Indian Air Force Mirage 2000H on patrol over the Himalayas. (Indian Air Force photo)

As many as 1,000 troops of the NLI, moving by foot and helicopter, crossed the line. It was a stealthy success; the NLI troops managed to unobtrusively establish a new forward line six miles deep into Indian-controlled territory. On May 3, they were finally spotted by local shepherds.

Then, in the first week of May 1999, the Indian Army units that had formerly manned the outposts began returning to their stations. It was at that point that they came face-to-face with the fact that NLI troops had moved in and were prepared to fight.

At first, embarrassed Indian Army leaders were bound and determined to turn back the Pakistan incursion all by themselves. Thus commenced several exchanges of fire. However, there was no change in the situation on the ground.

Checked for days by Pakistani forces, Indian Army leaders on May 11 finally approached the IAF for help. The Indian Army wanted the IAF to provide close air support with its armed helicopters. The IAF responded that the high terrain over which the requested support was to be provided lay well above the effective operating envelope of its attack helicopters and that the use of fixed wing fighters would be required if the Army really needed assistance.

The Army for days persisted in demanding use of attack helicopters alone. The IAF no less adamantly declined to accede to that demand.

Because of this back and forth jawboning, some later complained the IAF had refused to cooperate and, in the end, was forced into the campaign against its will.

In fact, the IAF at the early date of May 10 had begun conducting reconnaissance missions over the Kargil heights. It also at that time forward deployed IAF combat aircraft in numbers sufficient to support any likely tasking, established a rudimentary air defense control arrangement, and began practicing air-to-ground weapon deliveries at Himalayan elevations.

On May 12, as interservice deliberations to establish an agreed campaign plan continued, an IAF helicopter was fired upon near the most forward based of the NLI positions. That hostile act was enough to prompt the IAF to place Western Air Command on alert and establish quick-reaction aircraft launch facilities at the IAF’s most northern operating locations.

The next day, IAF Jaguar fighter aircraft launched on a tactical reconnaissance mission to gather target information. At the same time, the IAF established a direction center for the tactical control of combat aircraft; it was located at Leh, the IAF’s highest-elevation airfield.

Concurrently, Canberra PR57 and MiG-25R reconnaissance aircraft were pressed into service, and electronic intelligence missions started in the vicinity of the NLI intrusion.


An Mi-17 helicopter, like the one pictured here, was shot down on the war’s third day by a Pakistani shoulder-fired Stinger surface-to-air missile. The Indian Air Force was reluctant to introduce the helicopters to the fight, and insisted fixed wing aircraft would better serve the Army. (Photo via Bharat-Rakshak.com/Indian Air Force)

The IAF sent a Canberra to conduct reconnaissance of the area overlooking Kargil. It descended to 22,000 feet and entered a racetrack pattern that put the aircraft as low as 4,000 feet above the ridgelines. The Canberra was hit in its right engine by a Chinese-made Anza infrared surface-to-air missile. The Indian pilot brought the airplane in for a safe emergency landing.

On May 14, the IAF activated its air operations center for Kashmir and mobilized its fighter units in that sector for an all-out air counteroffensive. Such activities attested to the IAF’s clear expectation that it would engage the intruders to the fullest once its final role was settled upon.

After much back and forth between the IAF and Indian Army over the character and extent of air support IAF would provide, the Army finally acceded to the IAF’s insistence on using fixed wing fighters. This cleared the way for the air force to enter the fight.

In a key May 25 meeting chaired by Indian Prime Minister Atal B. Vajpayee, the Indian Army Chief outlined the seriousness of the situation and the need for the IAF to step in without further delay. At that, the Prime Minister said: “OK, get started tomorrow at dawn.”

The Air Chief agreed that the IAF would attack only those Pakistani targets that were dug in on India’s side of the line of control. However, he requested permission for his aircraft, in the course of its operations, to fly across the LOC. Vajpayee said no; there would be no crossing of the LOC.

With that rule of engagement firmly stipulated by the civilian leadership, the die was finally cast for full-scale IAF involvement. The stage was set for Operation Vijay (Hindi for “victory”), as the joint campaign was code-named.

Kinetic air operations began at 6:30 a.m. on May 26, three weeks after the infiltration into Indian-controlled territory was detected. The opening salvo comprised six attacks by MiG-21s, MiG-23s, and MiG-27s against NLI targets. It was the first time IAF pilots had dropped bombs in anger since its Vampire fighters destroyed Pakistani bunkers in the same Kargil area 28 years earlier, in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War.

Pakistan chose to keep its F-16s out of the fight.

Deadly Lessons Learned Quickly

Nearly all targets attacked were on or near Himalayan ridgelines at elevations ranging from 16,000 to 18,000 feet. The stark backdrop of rocks and snow complicated target acquisition, already made difficult by the small size of the NLI positions in a vast and undifferentiated snow background. That unique terrain feature, as seen from a cockpit, inspired the code name given to the IAF’s campaign—Operation Safed Sagar, or “White Sea.”


*Pakistani Army members look over the wreckage of an Indian MiG-21 shot down over Kashmir. (Photo via Bharat-Rakshak.com/Indian Air Force)*

In the second day of air operations, the IAF lost two fighters. One, a MiG-27, suffered engine failure while coming off a target. After two unsuccessful attempts at an airstart, the pilot ejected, only to be captured. He was repatriated on June 3.

The second, a MiG-21, sustained an infrared SAM hit while its pilot was flying over the terrain at low level, assisting in the search for the downed MiG-27 pilot. Its pilot also ejected, but he was not as lucky as the first pilot. He was captured, then reportedly brutalized and executed.

On the third day of operations, an armed Mi-17 helicopter, introduced to the fight reluctantly by the IAF to placate India’s Army leaders, was downed by a shoulder-fired SAM while providing low-level fire support. The crash killed all four crew members.

In conducting these early attacks, IAF officers quickly relearned what the Israelis had learned at great cost during the October 1973 War, when Egyptian and Syrian SAMs and anti-aircraft artillery had downed nearly a third of the Israeli Air Force’s fighter inventory (102 aircraft in all) before Israel managed to pull out a victory in the war’s latter stages.

Badly bloodied, the Indian Air Force called a halt to further use of armed helicopters and directed that future fighter attacks would be conducted from above the lethal envelopes of enemy man-portable SAMs. Afterward, not a single Indian fixed wing aircraft was lost to enemy fire.

Whenever ground attack operations were under way, Western Air Command put MiG-29s on combat air patrol stations to keep the Pakistani Air Force (PAF) out of the fray. Pakistan’s F-16As typically maintained their CAP stations at a safe distance, 10 to 20 miles away from the line of control.


The Indian Army used heavy Bofors howitzers in the high-altitude fight. (Photo by Sharad Saxena/The India Today Group/Getty Images)

By the time air operations reached full swing, the IAF had forward deployed some 60 of its best fighters to support the campaign. As they awaited tasking, committed squadrons initiated special training aimed at better acclimating their pilots to night attacks under moonlit conditions. Such combat operations over high mountainous terrain at night had never before been attempted by the IAF.

Because of the rudimentary bomb sights on their MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27 aircraft, IAF pilots typically achieved only limited effectiveness when attempting to provide close air support.

Accordingly, India’s Air Chief decided on May 30, just four days into the campaign, to enlist Mirage 2000H fighters capable of delivering laser guided bombs. By June 12, the Mirages were ready to commence precision strike operations.

On June 17, the clash reached a turning point. A strike package of Mirage 2000Hs destroyed the NLI’s main logistics camp with unguided 1,000-pound bombs delivered in high-angle dive attacks using the aircrafts’ computer-assisted weapon aiming capability.

The war reached a second milestone on June 24, when an element of Mirage 2000Hs, in the IAF’s first-ever combat use of LGBs, destroyed the NLI’s command bunkers on Tiger Hill with two 1,000-pound Paveway II LGBs. In these attacks, the target was acquired through the Litening pod’s electro-optical imaging sensor at about nine miles out, with weapons release occurring at a slant range of about five miles and the aircraft then turning away while continuing to mark the target with a laser spot.

On June 29, the Indian Army captured two vital posts on the high ridgelines. On July 2, it launched a massive attack. It finally recaptured the important NLI outpost on Tiger Hill on July 4, after an exhausting 11-hour battle in which the attackers climbed fixed ropes at night and in freezing rain to scale vertical mountain faces 1,000 feet high.

By July 26, Indian forces had reclaimed a majority of their seized outposts and driven NLI occupiers back to their own side of the LOC.

The IAF’s contribution to Operation Vijay lasted two months. IAF fighters had flown more than 1,700 sorties, including about 40 at night during the campaign’s last weeks. In the final tally, the Indian Army suffered 527 troops killed in action and 1,363 soldiers wounded. The NLI losses were not announced, but they were at least equal to India’s.


In March 1999, units of the Pakistani Army’s Northern Light Infantry crossed the so-called line of control into India’s portion of contested Kashmir in the Himalayas. (Staff map by Zaur Eylanbekov)

The Indian Army and IAF were both key players in a joint campaign; it would be hard to select one as the pivotal force. From a simple weight-of-effort perspective, artillery was the main source of fire support. The Army fired more than 250,000 rounds. One assessment said that this sustained laydown of fire was the most intense seen anywhere since World War II.

In contrast to this “profligacy in the use of artillery in a carpet-bombing mode,” as the campaign’s air component commander later called it, the IAF dropped only around 500 bombs. Most were effective against their assigned targets.

Close air support was a source of frustration for the IAF. The small and well-concealed NLI positions in the Himalayas were nothing like conventional targets that fighters typically engage in supporting friendly ground operations.

The IAF’s CAS efforts were hampered by numerous constraints on their freedom of action. New Delhi’s refusal to countenance crossings of the LOC was a limiting factor. Fighters were forced to use tactics featuring ingress and egress headings that were not optimal or, in many cases, even safe.

Man-portable SAMs used by Pakistan had a slant range sufficient to require the IAF’s pilots to remain 6,000 to 8,000 feet above the ridgelines to remain safely outside their threat envelopes. This degraded weapon delivery accuracies.

At such extreme elevations, the IAF’s munitions did not perform as they did at lower release altitudes. The reduced air temperature and density altered drag indices and other performance parameters that had never before been calculated for such conditions. Weapons did not guide as predicted. IAF pilots had to adapt through real-time improvisation.

The stark terrain folds tended to obscure the enemy from aerial observation and to mask the effects of bomb detonations, rendering even near misses all but ineffective. They further served to canalize aerial approaches to targets, dictating ingress and egress headings and, in the process, rendering IAF fighters more predictable and susceptible to ground fire.

NLI positions in deep ravines were often immune to effective attacks by pilots attempting dive deliveries when their LOC-driven roll-in points were not tactically ideal.

The IAF rode a steep learning curve as pilots adapted to unfamiliar conditions. MiG-21 pilots lacking sophisticated onboard avionics suites resorted to the use of stopwatches and Global Positioning System receivers to conduct night interdiction bombing.

Another example: The IAF took to choosing weapon impact points that would create avalanches over NLI supply lines.

The IAF pioneered what has since come to be called nontraditional intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. It was the first to use electro-optical and infrared imaging targeting pods for high-resolution aerial reconnaissance.

The Kargil Experience

The IAF expended only two LGBs because it had so few in stock and because few targets merited use of such an important and costly munition. Still, even this limited use dramatically altered the campaign’s dynamics.

After the successful LGB attacks, targeting pod imagery showed enemy troops abandoning their positions at the very sound of approaching fighters. Troop diaries later recovered by Indian Army units attested to the demoralization caused by the IAF’s attacks, especially when precision munitions were introduced.


Indian airmen arm a MiG-27 with heavy general-purpose bombs. (Photo via Ben Lambeth)

Much of the IAF’s improved combat effectiveness over time resulted from replacing classic manual dive bombing by MiG-23s and MiG-27s with more accurate GPS-aided level bombing from safer altitudes. Once the Mirage 2000H was introduced, the accuracy of unguided bomb deliveries increased even further, thanks to the aircraft’s much-improved onboard avionics suite.

A major joint-arena shortcoming highlighted by the Kargil experience was the total absence of candid communication between the Indian Army and IAF immediately following the initial detection of the NLI incursion. That failure was a remarkable foreshadowing of US Central Command’s similarly flawed Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan three years later, in which the land component likewise sought to go it alone at first, with the air component having been brought in just in time to help ensure a satisfactory outcome in the end.

Once the Indian Army and IAF resolved their disagreements, harmony prevailed.

In the going-in front-line fighter balance, India enjoyed a marked 750-to-350 advantage over Pakistan. Pakistan’s fleet of some 30 F-16s was greatly outclassed by the IAF’s 145 high-performance aircraft (MiG-29s, Mirage 2000Hs, and Su-30s). That asymmetry may well have been decisive in keeping the PAF out of the fight.

The IAF’s combat experience showed that innovation and adaptability under the stress of confining rules of engagement is a hallmark of modern airmanship. It attested to the fact that professionalism in campaign planning, presentation of forces, and accommodating to new and unique tactical challenges is scarcely a monopoly of more familiar Western air arms.

The experience demonstrated yet again that effective use of air-delivered firepower can generate success in a conflict that might otherwise have persisted indefinitely with less conclusive results.

Ben Lambeth is a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. He is the author of The Transformation of American Air Power (2000), which won the Air Force Association’s Gil Robb Wilson Award for Arts and Letters in 2001. His most recent article for Air Force Magazine was “Behind Israel’s 2006 War with Hezbollah,” in September 2011.

Reference:http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2012/September%202012/0912kargil.aspx

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