I have lived in Lahore for few
years and visited it scores of times. Explored it through different angels , its
historical beauty ,past and present grandeur, Museums, Zoos, beautiful and
historical sprawling gardens , parks,shopping centers , food street ,restaurants
, educational institutes but never visited Wahgah border to watch the
spectacular ceremony of flag-wrapping and the cross border , friendly acts and
gestures by soldiers on both parts of the border.
It was sweltering heat yesterday. The mercury at 47- 48 in Lahore at day time
which must be higher with humid-ex affect , which is generally not calculated
here by the weather pundits. But the humidity effect increases the heat
considerably. Witnessing my enthusiasm and will it was decided with my host that
he would arrange for my visit to Wah Gah border.
Had learned a lot about this ceremony on both sides of the border. I am not sure
that if this is just a made up culture in these two countries or this takes
place in other parts and borders of the world too. I have crossed USA and
Canadian borders numerous times but never witnessed any thing so spectacular
like this. Over there On both sides the custom and immigration just mind their
own business. Too much vigilance sometimes making you miserable and cautious for
none of your fault.
Lahore has been changed , a bit transformed rather developed with a brand new
Ring road which bypasses the big city's rush . It is a three lanes wide freeway
type of road with exits and entries. This has streamlined most of Lahore's
unruly traffic. A separate road for Metro bus service. This is just unique like
a railway or train service . I was told that the unruly riders on the bus broke
up the sliding doors and caused a lot of damage. Hopefully they are enough
educated or trained now to embark and disembark a bus in a civilized manner.
Saw some other big buses local transport in Lahore too. Looking forward to the
days when a decent or once again a double decker bus service get started in
Islamabad , Rawalpindi area once again.
The elections are over now . The new coalitions and governments in offing. Most
of the losers are not satisfied with the results, obvious rigging and
malpractice is reported from many areas and places. In KPK ANP showed great
sportsman spirit in accepting their blatant defeat. We can rightly claim that
despite all the setbacks and huge losses from terrorism and in front line with
war on terror this is the only province and population in Pakistan who showed
maturity and freedom from the clutches of any tyranny and feudal system.
In Lahore the situation is a bit different. PML ( N) delivered to the province
of Punjab and now they are set to form a federal Government in a few days time
frame. Let us hope for the best with this change. The democracy still in infancy
in Pakistan and Mian sahib must have matured by now but what about the old
habits? Wish and pray for the transformation of betterment for the country and
people.
The road to Wahgah was clear , we crossed Jalo. Had been to Jalo park many times
but let me look forward to Wahgah. Me and my young companion was received warmly
at the gate by troops , providing us a VIP treatment and protocol. I was
impatient to see the land behind the gates , the land of our neighbors or so
called enemy most of the time. As soon as I gulped my sandwich and tea , we
opened the door and selected our seats close to the gate. It was a thorough
excitement and demonstration of patriotism on both side. The ceremony started wi
th recitation of Quran , the Indians narrated some thing too . On our side
Quranic, Arabic and Urdu slogans , Pakistan Zinda baad , Naara Takbir Allahu
Akbar , Pakistan ka matlab kia llailaha illallah , Muhammad ur Rasool
ullah.While on the other side it was a mix of Hindi and Sansikrit. Matta JI ki
jay , jay Hind and so on. We were playing our national songs in Urdu , Pashto
and Punjabi. They were playing Chak de India.
We look quite a bit the same but we are different. Different in religion, in
culture and maybe values.Then it was our national Anthems. We are different , we
are two nations and that is what the two nation theory is all about.
The Indian side jam packed and our side and stands were a bit empty. The
excitement and slogans at high pitch.
Then came the two men dressed up in Pakistani flag with big flags in their
hands. The drum beater with flags on sides. It was an absolute fanfare. After
the announcement from both countries the parade started.our soldiers tall and
sturdy wearing black malatia uniforms of traditional shalwar kameez with
ceremonial turbans , the Indians in their khakis with their orange turbans a bit
shorter in size. Ultimately the gates got. Opened on both sides. on our gates it
was clearly inscribed Pakistan in Urdu and on indian side I' m sure it was
Bharat because its a bit similar to Bangla script.which I tried to perceive.I
was looking at the Indian soil for the first time in my life . The same land ,
the same earth. They had just reaped their wheat crops, like we did in Pakistan.
Don't know why I didn't get a chance to visit India yet? Of course it's a vast
country.
Their acts and movements were a treat to watch and admire. The whole crowed
bustling with joy and excitement. The wrapping up of the flags for the night was
another feat with turns ,twists and actions. All the time I was busy in taking
pictures and enjoying every moment of it. All of a sudden the time was over for
all this hustle bustle, weird sounds, announcements, chanting slogans and the
gates were closed.....
The lady from Pakistan Punjab rangers accompanying us gave us a tour of the
surrounding area ,the map of Pakistan , the miniatures with all the land marks .
The barbed wire that divides the two countries was standing firm. Two of the
soldiers on both sides riding horses were ready for a foto off. She told us that
this is the crossing for Dosti bus service. The trading trucks drop their
luggage at a big custom ground , that is brought by Pakistani trucks and
trailers and vice versa is done with Indian trucks.
We both are sovereign , dignified nations and we should remain like this .
Respecting and valuing each other's sovereignty and no more interference
,terrorism and no
More wars please!!!