I've hung out at this forum on and off for five years now and you're the first Pakistani to explain this to me. Can you back up what appears to be a cowardly and (given the growth of militancy) ineffective approach with supporting examples?
Dear poster,
This forum is great in some ways and also terrible in many ways.
As it brings about the best the Pakistan has to offer and at the same time the worst possible stuff is also said on these same forums.
Off all the people, Indians are the first one to spread and post and spread Jih@di propaganda. And this very thread is an indication.
You my dear solomon posted a good essay about good natured Americans kind hearted americans yesterday.
Why?
you wanted to spread good news from America. even when the country suffered the horrible incidence in boston.
How would you fee if bunch of Mexians post bad news about America at their first chance and that too in an american forum.
How will you feel?
huh?
So it really depends on you who to believe. and how much to believe.
It all depends on you and your view of the world.
Here is what I say and suggest and recommend to Indian posters who happen to live (in general) only few miles from Pakistan border.
Travel to Pakistan when you get a chance. When you get a chance make sure you come by.
It is damn easy these days minus some hurdles.
Most of the Indian cities have direct bus service to Amritsar Punjab. Then a short run on a taxi and you are at the border. few minutes with customs and immigration and you are in Pakistan where a dedicated taxi cab will be waiting.
If you are on official visit, you will be provided full security even if you don't ask.
No it is not private.
Pakistani home ministry has this provision where local police stations make sure nothing goes out of hand.
OK the only hitch is to get the visa.
for official business it is easy (as long the embassy in Delhi is not shut due to some protest like one expected for Sarabjeet).
Other than that, no issues with food or travel.
you will be spoiled. Dare I say.
Now this is from first hand account.
And unfortunately you will not see this in good name newspapers like NYT, Wash post, Times of India, and Hindustan times.
No Siree.
you will not.
Newspapers have to sell story.
And a comfortable visit to Pakistan will not sell.
but the beardos and ben-fing-laden pictures and protest will.
So we are stuck in a rut.
And good people like you thing that we the 200 million people all are beardos and hijabis and ready to kill Hindus and Jews and Christians.
And that sadly is the image that is very hard to rid of.
especially when some in our country have worked "very hard" to build that dastardly image.
Oh and btw no surveys will help those who are bent on spreading rumors about Pakistan.
No surveys.
No one will tell you that without Pakistani majority supporting, our police protecting, and government planning for the HUGE amount of supplies to Afghanistan, US NATO campaign will come to a halt.
Yeah yeah. It is not free.
But who said one can get a free lunch.
you pay for it and you enjoy your lunch.
Hope this is not too long of an answer.
Thank you