Feature

A Trip to Remember

Shegufta Mahzabeen

WHEN I was selected for the Media Delegation trip to Pakistan, I took it as an opportunity to explore a country that is facing international accusation of harboring terrorism. My adventurous spirit was overwhelmed by the thought of acquiring information from within. Added to this, being a part of the delegation team was another excitement.

Our visit was scheduled for 7 days. Among these, 2 days in Islamabad, 1 day in Muree, 2 days in Lahore and another 2 days in Karachi. My team consisted of senior journalists, educationists and young researchers. We started for Karachi on 11th March 2010. On our arrival at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi, I found that place quiet and disciplined. We were warmly welcomed by Mr. Qamar uz Zaman (who was appointed as our Coordinator) on behalf of our host IPRI. From the airport we directly went to hotel where we spent the night. On the way, I found the roads and highways are properly maintained, flyovers in every crossing and security check points. This is due to safety reason and general people welcomed it for their own sake.

We started for Islamabad on 12th March early morning. The city is well developed and organised. We saw strict security check points after every 5 to 10 minutes. There we spent two valuable days in meeting with high officials of Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), Foreign Ministry, Information Ministry, APP, ISPR and Counter Terrorism Centre. We also met SG of PML-Q, Mushahid Hussain. I considered these two days valuable as these interactions helped me to sort out some interesting facts, such as, according to Dr. Maqsudul Hasan Nuri, an eminent think tank of IPRI, no other country had suffered like Pakistan due to War on Terrorism that left impact in its economy, investments and tourism sectors. But now the scenario is changing. After the success of military operations undertaken in the last few months, Pakistan has started gaining appreciations from both inside & outside. They are hopeful about the future.

"Terrorism & extremism are the twin challenges of Pakistan and Pakistan is committed to eliminate both", says Major General Athar Abbas, DG ISPR & personnel of Counter Terrorism Centre. After the catastrophe of 9/11 in 2001, the US declared War on Terrorism, resulting invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan. This gave rise to Afghan jihad and Taliban regime, combining both extremism & terrorism. Since Pakistan is sharing 2500 km border areas with Afghanistan, the country is at high risk of intruders from its neighbor (who are directly/indirectly related to terrorism), putting Pakistan into a vulnerable situation. But the country has taken immense measures to prevent terrorism. Statistics shows, Pakistan's contribution in GWOT has surpassed even the contribution of NATO. Example is 99.9% success of military operation in FATA killing 28 important terrorist leaders and arresting many more in the last few months. Now they are in the process of re-establishment of this region.

"Media in Pakistan is enjoying full freedom. They are unbiased and not under political control. Media is playing a vital role in creating awareness against terrorism. Women are highly encouraged to participate in this field," says Mohammad Riaz, MD, APP and Mansoor Suhail, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

Apart from the meetings, rest of my travel time went absolutely fantastic. Though the series bomb attacks in Lahore put us into a little worry but we saw confidence in the faces of law enforcement personnel of taking things under control.

Drive to Muree was fascinating. Well-maintained roads, beautiful roadside views and mountains all created a magnificent aura. When we reached Burban (a top most place), I saw the series of snow-covered mountains of Kashmir, standing far away just in front of my eyes. We enjoyed our stay, roamed around Mall road and got back to Islamabad at night. There we also visited Lok Virsa & Rawal Lake.

The next day we went to Lahore by motorway. Lahore is known as 'City of Culture'. I found it similar to Bangladesh for the busy streets, British architectural buildings and markets. During our stay in Lahore we met Salman Taseer, Governor of Punjab, did some shopping from Anarkoli, similar to our Chadnichawk, and visited Lahore Museum, Badshahi Mosque & tomb of Allama Iqbal. We also observed flag lowering ceremony at Wagha border with great interest.

In Karachi we visited Quaid-e-Azam's Mausoleum and Cliffton beach, had dinner at 'Village Restaurant' that offers more than 100 dishes. It was fun. On March 18th 2010 we departed for our homeland, Bangladesh.

Trip to Pakistan helped me to observe and learn about its present situation. Their effort to sustain as a terror free country, working all together to protect peace and harmony are appreciable and requires a great deal of understanding. The hospitality we received was overwhelming. I will cherish my experience for long.