Travel Diary: Landscape and Portrait Photography in Punjab, Pakistan
I am based in South Africa for the past 9 years. My passion for travelling took me to Europe, Asia, and Africa in the last 9 years. In these years, I have also been to Pakistan from time to time for 10 to 15 days only to meet my parents and siblings. In December 2016, I was in Pakistan for 25 days, this is the longest I have been to Pakistan since my arrival in Cape Town, South Africa. This blog is merely a glimpse of my story that filled a relentless void in my heart. A void, which could only be filled with a sense of belonging.
The story begins in the streets of Rawalpindi where I subconsciously started observing the hardworking people of Pakistan. I realised that I had ignored them for most part of my life. They make up the majority of our population. Did I ever observe the guy making my favourite cuisine in hotels? Did I ever notice the vegetable seller? Who mends our shoes? These were the questions that struck me in the thought process. I realised that approaching these people was a very easy task. I greeted them and gave them a smile, they returned a smile for a smile, give me a warm welcome and breakdown all barriers of Outlandishness. I have made an intention of recording their stories in my future trips to Pakistan. Behind their diligent faces are very soft hearts. Only they help you understand the truth behind our lives. The famous poet Allah Muhammad Iqbal said, “Ask the reality of life from the heart of the mountain‐digger; Life is the milky stream, the axe and the hard stone.”
I was only starting with this project when I got an invitation from a friend who lives in Khanewal, a small town in Pakistani Punjab. I stayed there for three days, and I will only say, “I witnessed a beautiful combination of living in a small town with big hearts”. I cannot forget the hospitality that Ejaz and his family gave me. He came to pick me up from a bus station 3 hours away from his house, gave me a warm welcome, made me part of his own house, served me divine food and took me to places. The road trip with my friend was a memorable one. It reminded us of our university days when we used to go to places on rental cars by pooling money. One such trip was to Ejaz's house ten years ago in 2006. With best friends, you don't have to pretend or have formality. Even if you meet them after ten years, your jokes are common, the frequency is the same, and your love for each other makes everything fun.
Villagers of Chah Mulah Wala, Moza Nanuk Pur, Khanewal
I didn’t take these photos alone, the village people were behind me with their suggestions, questions and of course selfies. I will share more about them in my upcoming vlogs and blogs. Despite the current problems Pakistan has, I want to tell you that the love, and the sense of belonging I gathered from these random people in random places is my asset. The smell of the sand, the familiarity with the cool breeze, the warmth of the people, and the company of my family and friends are things that I will treasure forever.
Mujahid
Dec, 2016
