Beyond the Bullets - The Warmth of the Pakistanis: Dec 2012

Beyond the Bullets - The Warmth of the Pakistanis

Dec 2012

“So, how many terrorists did you meet?” is unfortunately the most often asked question (in one way or another) since my return from Karachi. Alas, many of us Indians for way too long have been fed on the diet of Pakistan=Terrorism & therefore by association, Pakistanis=Terrorists. My recent week-long trip has opened my eyes and heart to a whole different reality.  I hope this brief note captures the essence of this wonderful journey.

First, the Pakistanis are the warmest and most hospitable people I have encountered. I have been around the world a fair bit, but no one has come close in making me feel more welcome. Minutes after landing in Karachi, the extremely friendly and helpful Rozina (immigration official) shared casual banter and told me about her roots from Gujarat, India. During my trip, so many Pakistanis repeated the story of strong family links with India. 

My colleagues went truly beyond the line of duty to make sure that I was looked after all through the day. One particular highlight stands out. Fawad Shammim, a quiet and unassuming man, is among the senior management team within our team there. He took me around on Sunday morning around Karachi and seeing the beautiful Quaid-i-Azam’s (Jinnah) mausoleum and museum was terrific.

As he was dropping me back, he announced we have a dinner plan. I was surprised and responded with

“please no…you should spend time with your family.” Fawad then replied that his family would be joining us as well. So, that evening, I had a wonderful time meeting his lovely daughter and wife as they took me to the probably only primarily vegetarian restaurant in Karachi for my benefit!

Of course, others too went the extra mile including the Nadeem (CEO) who organized a dinner of 30 senior and middle management staff in my honour, Dr. Samina who took me shopping and of course Khalid, Abid and Shehzad who played gracious hosts throughout the trip. There were so many others who took that extra step!

But, the graciousness extended well and truly beyond the staff. Not once did I feel uncomfortable being an Indian as I interacted with Pakistanis in the airport, malls and restaurants. On the contrary, it seemed the folks went out of their way to make Indians feel extra welcome. As I was leaving, I was loaded with presents and invitations to come back again not just for me, but for Lata and Sanjana as well!!!

Second, I felt quite safe! Now Karachi is among the most violent cities in Pakistan, but frankly having been around the world a bit, I certainly was more at ease there then so many other places. Yes, there is violence in the city and in addition to sectarian violence in different parts of the city, I heard a guy in the lift telling the story of how he had to be separated from his watch and wallet at a traffic light stop when a gun was pointed at him. But, for someone who has lived and spent time in Los Angeles, Baltimore, Joberg, Lusaka and Nairobi, Karachi did not seem any more dangerous. There is no doubt that I ‘fitted’ in a lot easier here.

Third, it must be understood that probably 999 out of a 1000 Pakistanis are peace loving. They too are victims of violence in so many ways. The people I met bemoaned what had happened to their lovely city and to the country overall. As Indians, we must realize that it is indeed in our interest that Pakistan remains stable and prospers. As someone once put it, Pakistan is the great barrier that actually protects India from the madness on its western borders! Something to ponder about.

Finally, I was amazed at how ‘hungry’ for support and the openness to feedback that the team members displayed. The staff were enthusiastic and participated actively in the sessions we had. There was absolutely no resistance that I faced as an Indian. I was discussing this with Vishnu, my nephew who was there recently as well. Vishnu works for a prominent international airline and he too had the same experience. 

This was among the most productive trips I have had. The work was so engrossing that I extended my stay.  The opportunities we have to improve the health and lives of millions and the sheer enthusiasm of the people I encountered has left me energized! I have made an enthusiastic commitment to be actively engaged with the team over the next six to twelve months. I am looking forward to my next visit there in February 2013 to continue our work in saving lives as we have fun!