HOW SIKHS ARE TREATED IN PAKISTAN
After watching hundreds of videos on Youtube for over a year I have learned that Pakistan is a home to the world’s most hospitable nation. Officials at airports and borders welcome the Sikh yatris with a big and genuine smile on their faces. This alone shuns the worries from the faces of the Sikhs. Indian media had infused hatred and fear in them for years of dedicated hard work with persistently untiring vigor against Pakistan.
I think that Pakistani officials had been trained with the notion in mind that Sikhs that are coming are to Pakistan are on a pilgrimage. They should be treated with an utmost respect and love so they would not forget the journey of a lifetime.
There were instances when many Pakistanis refused to charge their Sikh guests money for their products and services. Navjot Sikh Sidhu told in an interview that he was mesmerized with the love and respect that he got in Pakistan. He also added that once he was in a shoe shop in Lahore, he purchased Khussa (Punjabi sandals made with animal hide) and asked for the price, the shopkeeper said that it is a gift for you. He was both happy and amazed and asked, “is it free because I am famous or free because you are my fan?” (Sidhu is a host of a famous TV show in India and a former world level cricketer). The shopkeeper said, none of that, it is because you are a guest of Pakistan.
WHAT PAKISTANIS FEEL ABOUT SIKHS
I have a habit of reading comments under every video. Whenever I see a foreigner’s video on Youtube about Pakistan or his/her reviews about my country, I never miss to read comments made on that video by viewers.
Asian culture is very oddly satisfying and awe-inspiring to the Westerners. Asia as continent is imbued in values as whole. Asians respect their guests and honor them according to their respective cultures. So is the case with the Pakistanis. They consider the visitors as national guests. There are many instances when small shopkeepers refused to get paid for their services and goods. Under are the links of some famous Youtube Vloggers.
This is Drew Binsky’s Vlog, he has made a complete Video about Pakistanis not taking money.
This is an Indian Sikh’s video, he’s telling that a Lassi-wala refused to take money from him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mIzRYh8jGA here is Mark Wiens Vlog in Lahore he’s a famous youtube vlogger, he’s telling that why a Lahori refused to take money from him.
There are tons of other examples as well, but I chose to give you an idea, besides, this blog has a limited space.
WHAT PAKISTANI CULTURE HAS TO OFFER TO SIKHS
As I told earlier, Pakistanis consider the foreigners as their guests and honor them differently. Pakistanis are open hearted and minded as regard to your clothes, religion and creed. As opposed to some Middle Eastern countries, Pakistani government does not ask you to clad yourself in a certain kind of clothes. There are not any specific laws regarding that.
Yes non Muslims can take alcohol in some hotels and other places where it specifically reserved for non Muslims. Food is Halal (Muslim Kosher) all over the country.
Pakistan has deserts, mountains, seashores, rivers, plateaus, skiing areas, snowfall areas, beaches and every natural landscape that any country has to offer on earth.
WHAT SIKHS FEEL WHEN THEY LEAVE PAKISTAN
What I have witnessed watching Youtube videos that I have not seen a single Sikh who wants to leave Pakistan after spending a sometime in the country or after meeting the locals.
The first Guru of Sikhs was born and demised in Pakistani territory. The first kingdom of Sikhs ever, was in the areas where Pakistan is situated.
Pakistanis speak the same language and wear almost the same robes as Sikhs (Shalwar Kameez). There are more affinities than differences between both Punjabs (Indian and Pakistani Punjab).
Sikhs are very dejected when they leave Pakistan. They are respected, loved and cared in Pakistan. They are pampered and very much cared.
I am not writing all these things as because I am a Pakistani. I know you will tally my claims by watching and exploring online resources by yourself as well. Youtube is replete with such instances. Besides, regardless of Sikhs, every foreigner is treated in such a manner.
PAKISTAN IS BECOMING THE BIGGEST DESTINATIONS FOR TOURISTS
The primary and foremost question arises what are the basic ingredients that make a country a tourist attraction?
There are a number of things that make a country attractive to the tourists but the things of foremost concern are security, landscape, prices of goods to the approach of a middle income tourist and a friendly country and the countrymen.
Pakistan ranks highest in this graph. Pakistan has ever each thing, landscape, nice people and the government has worked hard maintaining peace and security.
The country has been victim of Western media for decades. Afghan war left a negative impact on the façade of Pakistan. The new Pakistan is now emerging. Resuscitating and soaring. The country is now preparing to attract millions of tourists in near future. CPEC is helping to build its infrastructure. Pakistani is now prepping to connect with Iran, Central Asia and China by roads, railways and airways.
Its natural landscape has an untapped beauty. Its people are simple and nice. Its society is peaceful and humble. What more does a tourist ask? What more does a tourist need?
