The Real Pakistan

I'm quite sure as soon as you hear the name, "Pakistan," the first image which pops in your head is this:

Ah yes, the wonderful suicidal people of Pakistan. Probably blowing themselves up is an all time hobby. Well, guess what? Joke all you want about that, the bombers are the uneducated, brain-washed minority. Let me gradually reveal to you, the true beauty of this nation.

Recognize this man? Yup, it's our beloved Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah--the founder of Pakistan. His dream? An independent Muslim nation, with people who respect the non-Muslim immigrants, as much as they respected the believers of Islam. To bring peace through, Unity, Faith and Discipline...and to have a united government to serve the people of the nation.

Unfortunately, the government at present has no such intentions. It's all about the "greed." Hence the corruption, and protesting by the citizens of this country. But let's leave politics aside for now, what I really want to talk about is that, there's more beauty in this country, which everyone seems to have been blinded by, than the crimes and bombings, which have changed opinions of people all over the globe.

Behold! The flag of Pakistan, swaying with the wind under the bright sun. The white and the dark green colours represent the minorities and the Muslim majorities, respectively. While the crescent represents progress, and the star represents light and knowledge.   

The flag is referred to in the national anthem as Parcham-e-Sitāra-o-Hilāl in Persian (lit. Flag of the Crescent and Star). --Wikipedia

Never seen this on TV have you? We have breath-taking sites just as good as those in any other country you've visited or seen a documentary on, on television. These are the Himalayas, readers. Considered to be the "Roof of the World."

The Karakorum Mountains, in Northern Pakistan. I wish the weather in the South coast could be as pleasant as it is over there!

My favourite picture of all...the Hunza Valley. I wish to visit this place someday. Farmers and young villagers live in these valleys, pretty much having a large area provided to graze their cattle, and just enjoy the beautiful scenery.

This is the a river flowing through the Swat Valley. It's a famous vacation site for locals who pretty much go here, for picnics and also for river rafting. I think foreigners would love these places, as they pretty much enjoy hiking, and getting involved in several sports--unlike most of us Pakistanis who care much more about their fine cuisine, and what their daughter's wedding will be like. Speaking of weddings and food! Here are a few pictures... 



Henna...It's pretty much applied on Eid or for weddings. Whereas some people who "LOVE" it tend to have it applied on pretty much all the time! It's pretty famous all over the world now, and is called a "Henna Tattoo" abroad.





Love food much? Ha ha! Well if you've never been to Pakistan, you don't really know what food really is. This is a picture of the famous Food Street in Lahore. Oh man, you have to stop by here, and try out Pakistani BBQ, especially the chicken tikka's, greasy parathas and kababs! Yum!

And I say what goes best with good food, is some great music! Pakistan is known for it's classical Sufi music, as well as poetry, in all sorts of languages--from Urdu to Persian, Balochi, Punjabi, etc. However, these days, we've become a little modernised, and have rock bands, too! I suggest you all, just go on YouTube for a bit, and listen to some songs by the Coke Studio. They've combined several genres of music together. 

 Now, let's see some famous monuments shall we...? First let's start with the Darbars -- Tombs.

 And now, some day-to-day sites which we pass by everyday, and are our famous monuments...

 

We have a great sense of style, too!

Probably the one industry boosting up our economy, is the fashion industry. However, I find most designer's tastes to be quite gaudy--just to show how unique they can be with their unique sense of taste--I'm still happy that they're at least trying hard, to keep this country on the move.

So, I guess I've shown you enough pictures to prove my point here. This is the real Pakistan. The country which the citizens from here crave for as they study abroad. They miss this "unique" hometown, which can never be replaced no matter how great a city is where you're staying at abroad. I suggest that foreigners should be brave enough to come and visit Pakistan, and just enjoy it's special culture. Observe what's different, and go with the flow...I'm sure it will change your opinion. In fact, the first opinion is the last opinion, right?

This is a nation which can flourish above all other nations. This is a nation which can educate it's citizens for a better future. This is a country made to serve it's people. This is Pakistan...my Pakistan...the one and only, "Mera Pakistan."