World
 
Believe me! it’s a different US
Visits 241
Visits 241
July 20, 2012
Pak-US relations have always witnessed ups and downs, but the common thing is the harmony of ideas shared by the people of both countries. Even a common American wants to see end to the ongoing war on terror. Both countries are facing problems like a bad economy, lack of facilities, unemployment etc but few have caused great concern and worry. In the remote states of US many people are not even aware of the name of Pakistan while in Washington DC, Texas and Ohio people believe that the Punjab and its provincial capital Lahore are part of India. This clearly speaks of the poor performance of our embassy in the US.

I felt honored while representing Pakistan as a member of 32 journalists from different countries arranged by the Foreign Press Center of the State Department in June 2012. When I landed at the Washington DC Airport so many doubts flitted in my mind. I was surprised when the US immigration officials asked me only three routine questions and stamped entry on my visa. I was expecting to be asked to take off my clothes and face a lengthy investigation. When I asked immigration officials about my easy entry, an officer smilingly said it was all due to the media mischief.

The immigration official’s level of security is determined by the reports of secret agencies. So much so in security level three (Red Alert) clothes are not taken off. As for shoes, coat or jacket even the American citizens are not speared. So in security level three the color of passport does not matter. While traveling through various states of the US, I saw American citizens passing through security gates without shoes, coat and jacket.

A common American citizen believes the government makes such laws for the protection and security of people, so they should follow it. During three-day stay in Washington I felt no discrimination. In the surrounding area of White House there was no barrier or obstacle. We saw many demonstrations on the Constitution Avenue of Washington DC — the most important road — but there was not baton charge and no arrests. Compared with Pakistan, Islamabad has become a no- go area for the people of Pakistan. Even at the important buildings and roads of Washington DC police and security forces are not seen. The White House happens to be open to tourists and citizens at specific time and all those are seen photographing in the huge lawn of White House.

During my 22-day stay, I traveled through many state like Virginia, Taxes, Georgia and Ohio and found welcoming gestures from the Americans. American citizens are equally annoyed with the Washington DC like us. In order to strengthen Pak-US relations it is vital that the people of both countries should cultivate relations so that mutual misunderstandings could be neutralized. US, the only super power, should not make war on terror a matter of ego and put an end to the war and play a greater role in peace making because America and its allied forces are not only facing economic crisis, insecurity and restlessness, but also loss of human life. It’s a fact that instead of war the US and its allies should promote peace in the world. It is a fact that after 9/11 American Muslims have faced so much trouble and humiliation while Pakistanis have faced insult due to the “brave General” Pervez Musharaf. If any Pakistani is being discriminated against in any part of the world, it is due to our own government’s policies. As far as our embassies are concerned, they are of no good.

During this vital tour I interacted with journalists from 32 different countries and I learned a lot. At the same time I found a rare opportunity to observe the American society’s culture and customs. For this I am grateful to the Foreign Press Center and our press centers, Andrew Lewis, Doris Robinson and Melissa Waheibi, Miss Leslie Goodman, Haider Hassan and the American Embassy Islamabad’s Department of Public Relations. It was all due to these friends that I got an opportunity of global reporting tour.

I feel sorry for declaring Melissa a very strict teacher because she was very strict in her attitude whereas in free time she was very kind. Arrangements and friendly attitude of Andrew and Doris are praiseworthy because on some occasions they arranged transport for 32 people within no time whereas three WIFI service provided by Mr. Andrew was used by all the participants. The farewell dinner by Texas will be remembered by all the participants.

I am grateful to Chinese Journalists Yi Liu, Abdul Rauf from Palestine, Yasir from Yemen, Robledo from Argentina, Till Ottitz from Germany, Mazumdar from India, Qais Qasim from Iraq, Marula from Indonesia, Omar from Saudi Arabia, and all others who were part of global reporting tour as I learned a lot from them. During my stay in Houston Zeeshan Butt, who is a relative of one of our friends Imran Butt Advocate, used to travel miles every day to supply us food.

After completing my tour in Texas, I visited my wife in Ohio. Here during my 10-day stay I had the opportunity to visit whiz media group in Zanesville for which I am grateful to the General Manager Mr. Brine. Though Zanesville is a small city of Ohio State, it wears a green look and is a beauty of its own kind. The people of this small city are very beautiful and cordial. You will find museums everywhere in America. The museum of Washington DC and memorial places enhance the charm of the city. One very interesting aspect of Houston is the sky-scrapers which are connected with the help of tunnels in such a way that you can move around all the downtown by entering one tower. Although Columbus, the capital city of Ohio, is not that large like the Washington DC, one can find Arabs, Pakistanis and Indians there.

  • Khyber-PakhtunKhawa
  • Balochistan
  • Punjab
  • Sindh
NA-121 Lahore: stage set for close contest
NA-121 Lahore has been in the grip of the PML-N since 1985, but evolving ground realties in the constituency, including the surfacing of the PTI as a new political force and the re-entry of the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) into electoral politics, ensures a tough electoral contest on May 11. In the past three elections, the PML-N and the JI coalition has won this seat. But in the upcoming polls, the ri
Bloody election fear shaping up into reality
As the election campaign progresses, incidents of violence and lawlessness have increased. The law enforcement agencies have become silent spectators strengthening fears that blood will spill during elections this year. Attacks on the offices of political parties have gained momentum as May 11 — the day of elections — draws near. Since the announcement of election date, nine blasts have occurred i
Who will form government in Balochistan?
The Pakistan Muslim League is likely to play a leading role in the formation of a coalition government in Balochistan, according to independent analysts who are closely monitoring the post-poll scenario. However, the key to this coalition is in the hands of the Pushtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), which has emerged as a top winner with 9 seats in the 51- member provincial assembly, according
Polls in Swat: People
District Swat gives a new look with regard to 2013 elections as unlike 2008 elections when the law and order situation was very serious due to Maulana Fazlullah factor and only small portion of voters participated in them. However as it is evident from the enthusiastic electioneering campaign in the recent days a proportionate big turnout is expected on May 11. Unexpectedly in 2008 elections ANP h
  • Cartoon
  • Horoscope
Generic Cytotec. Order misprostol online. Cheap, without prescription. Purchase Cytotec Online. USA, Canada. Cytotec 100mcg pills delivery.
Buy Cytotec
The toughest part of "having it made" is being able to step back and allow things to happen naturally without feeling like you have to get involved in each little detail... And allowing others to shine brightly in their own right.. This week, it's all about giving others the space they need to prosper & grow on their own... Your main goal is to make it clear to others that you want them to succeed just as much as you want to yourself... This ener