I want to thank everyone who sent me e-mails wishing me a safe trip to Pakistan. I did, along with one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I am now at the airport waiting to board my flight back to Queens, NYC.
Despite the state of emergency life is as usual here. People acknowledge the political turmoil in their country but for the most part it hasn’t disrupted their lives. In fact, I was laughed at when I asked people if they felt unsafe. The response I routinely got was “no more than usual”. I was lucky enough to visit all the big cities that included Karachi, Lahore and the capital city of Islamabad. I had a chance to talk to dozens of people from all walks of life, from one of Pres. Pervez Musharraf’s retired Lt. Col’s to a man who sells bangles at a stand in a nearby market. Through them I have a better understanding of how the Pakistani government works, why the country may be the way it is, and what a HUGE role American politics and culture play here.
The Pakistani people I spoke to they have two big fears. 1) U.S Troops will “invade” their country like they have Afghanistan and Iraq and 2) the extreme Islamic ideology of the Taliban and Al-Quaida will continue to spread like it already has in the Northern region of the country. Many I interviewed consider both the American Government and Islamic extremists rich, powerful and equally dangerous threats. They feel Pakistan is stuck in the middle of a no win situation.
A lot of stereotypes have been dispelled for me personally during this trip. Stereotypes, where I am actually embarrassed by my own ignorance, especially considering this is where my parents spent their adolescent lives. I also realized how important it is for me to travel and get out of the perimeters of the life and routines I’ve established for myself.
What bothered me most is the extreme poverty levels here. It’s a way of life that the poorest of the poor may not be able to understand in our country, but on the same hand what touched me most is the generosity of some. People who barely have enough to survive themselves share food and give money to the homeless children, disabled, and handicapped who roam the dirt streets without thinking twice. More than 50% of this nation lives in poverty. The mentality of the generous is they have a roof over their head, clothes on their back and food on their tables and with that they are completely content and happy. The poor are usually begging for ten rupees to feed themselves and their entire families for a week. The equivalent to that is just 60 cents!
Even with this unforgettable experience, I would be lying if I said I can’t wait to board this flight and come back home to my friends, family, and job in the States, but I am leaving with some sadness. I have met people here that have changed me for the better. My next mission is trying to figure out what country I’m going to visit next, and more importantly, not forget the lessons I’ve learned here.
