Is the wicked game of Chinese Whispers destroying Pakistan’s beauty?

The humanity and kindness of Kashmiris is enough to make us fall in love with the landscape and the people.

Sana Dadabhoy March 12, 2015
Pakistan’s current political situation discussed in dining rooms, gatherings and media is beginning to resemble an advanced version of Chinese Whispers; a popular game played worldwide in which entertainment is derived from the errors in retelling a message through a series of shared whispers. 

Regardless of the authenticity of the source, people are increasingly discussing the deteriorating law and order situation, Talibanisationbombings and violent street clashes in Pakistan, all of which paint a disturbing picture of what is actually happening in the country.

Despite the dismal pictures being painted and reinforced by my surroundings, I wanted to go explore my country and see it for myself. Thus, along with a group of nine people, I embarked on a New Year’s Trip to Azad Kashmir.

Almost everyone I encountered prior to leaving Karachi questioned my decision and asked about the safety of the trip. Given that December 16, 2014 was marked as a Black Day for Pakistan, due to the unfortunate Peshawar Attack, perhaps it was my immunity to violence or a positive mind-set which emanated from my successful trip to Shogran (Kaghan Valley Tour) that I did not waver.

We flew from Karachi to Islamabad and then onward to Muzaffarabad by road to begin our adventure. The trip was planned by our tour guide, The Trekkerz, so that we spent every night at a new location and woke up to a different view. What remained consistent was the bonfire we sat around every night due to the near zero degree (plus or minus a few) temperature.

The destinations included KeranShardaKail or Kel, Upper Neelum and Kutton. The rest houses offered stunning views and basic amenities. This entire region was closed off for tourism prior to 2006 when a cease fire was signed between India and Pakistan. Should you decide to go on this tour, this will explain the numerous checkpoints and signs which read “No Photography”.

Photo: Sana Dadabhoy

As we passed through Sharda, we stopped to visit the remains of a 1000-year-old monastery. You can still make out the pillars and a little bit of the architecture. It makes you envy the monks for the views they enjoyed while studying, and explains how they managed to be so positive and peaceful as well. It was there at a local tea house that I took a picture, on which my friend would later comment and say,
“It’s interesting how when you get closer to China, the architecture changes.”

Photo: Sana Dadabhoy

The locals were quite inquisitive as they huddled around us, and in turn, we were just as inquisitive about them, attempting to make conversation about their everyday lives. Every night when the bonfire was lit, our group was joined by a few locals who engaged in conversations about politics, food, developmental organisations, traveling stories, amongst various other topics, including famous rubies found in Kashmir that are contracted to a Swiss company, which was my personal favourite.

Photo: Sana Dadabhoy

You may have heard that Pakistanis are overwhelmingly warm and hospitable; however, the level of humanity, kindness and friendliness of the people in Azad Kashmir was enough to make one fall in love with not just the landscape but the people as well. Everyone we encountered wanted to make our stay as pleasant and enjoyable as possible.

Photo: Sana Dadabhoy

To think that the people there have had generations grow up in war-like conditions amid tensions between Pakistan and India, one cannot imagine how they are so cheerful and warm against the backdrop of that history.

Photo: Sana Dadabhoy

Looking out of the van, we saw some of the most beautiful people walking on rough terrain with such fluidity that their level of fitness also left us in awe.

Among other moving images, there were inspirational signs that read,
“Darakht zameen ka zevar hai”

(The earth adorns itself with trees)

“Humaray kudrati vasail aanay wali nasloon ki amanat hai”

(Our natural resources belong to our future generations, or rather, we have a moral responsibility to leave the world in a better condition for our future generations.)

Photo: Sana Dadabhoy

This type of free-spirited and original thinking does not seem too coherent with the “backward” image projected. In fact, we can probably take that a step further and say that the tourists who visit the Northern areas should value their own natural resources and avoid littering as a civic responsibility.

Furthermore, companies engaged in the production of food and fast moving consumer goods (FMCG’s) frequently highlight “distribution” as a part of their successful company strategy. Therefore, they should share the responsibility as well and conduct sustainability workshops as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in such areas.  Tourism, development or distribution should not be at the cost of increased littering or pollution.

Upon returning to Karachi, safe and sound, one must question the image problem internally. Is the media partly responsible for spreading despondency and negativity or are we the culprits who feed the negativity and spread it when we share unconfirmed rumours?

Is there a way to challenge the portrayal of Pakistan, at least on a national scale, if not internationally? There is no doubt that terrorism is a reality in Pakistan and one cannot be completely oblivious to the security situation. However, as a nation, we must challenge existing perceptions and take responsibility for the tone and news we choose to share to avoid the dangers of Chinese Whispers.
WRITTEN BY:
Sana Dadabhoy The author is a graduate of University of Houston and is a banker. She blogs at www.sanadadabhoy.blogspot.com.
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

COMMENTS (22)

Muhammad Ali | 9 years ago | Reply Sana, I think primaily its the media and the black sheeps in the face of media which are playing havoc with this country. they leave no opportunity in maligning the image of this country to the domestic and international community by portraying the negative image all the time. they keep on finding such bad news only and never show the better side of our society..secondly as our people are not into the habit of digging out the truth by making their own research, so they are more into the habit of making drawing room whispers..i strongly believe what this dirty media is doing with this nation is no doubt the part of the international conspiracy against this country. Otherwise this country is blessed with the beautiful people all over and they are so innocent and pure.
Sana Dadabhoy | 9 years ago | Reply This article was not meant to be political in nature, however for arguments sake do consider the following: Firstly, there is limited information about Sharda University at the site of the ruins and history tends to take on various versions depending on which side of the border you stand. The temple as the Indian Guest rightly pointed out is an important part of our mutual history, however one cannot take away from the breathtaking views. Also interestingly, the origin of the people of Kashmir is a complex issue but do note some notable settlers may have been, IndoAryans, Gujrat, Rajasthan, Dravidians as well as the Burusu people. The Burusu people included proto-Tibetan, proto-Chinese, Chechen among many others (ORIGINS OF PEOPLES OF THE KARAKORAM HIMALAYAS by Charles Graves). Against the backdrop of those facts, my friends comments were not completely unfounded. Lastly, everyone is entitled to their opinions, however I feel I must point out that Northern Pakistan is a vast area and any negative perceptions or news cannot speak for such a vast region. Many tourists travel up North every year and you will find those are not "difficult to reach" places. To each their own but I highly encourage you to go see it for yourself. Also stay tuned to my blog to my Kaghan Valley Tour (mid-April).
Dr. Misbah | 8 years ago Beautifully written. But Ms. Sana dadabhoy I cannot understand the meaning of , ''danger of Chinese whispers'' ?. Perhaps I would be very glad if you throw a light on your statement.
VIEW MORE COMMENTS
Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ