Once a week without fail, the Thar Express makes its way from the Karachi Cantonment Railway station to Zero Point in the Tharpaker Desert. Travelers from there on go to India to visit relatives, for business or simply explore the country they are so madly in love with
"You cannot take India out of the hearts of the people of Karachi," says Muhammad Mansuri, a seasoned journalist. One reason being that many of the people of the city — the Muhajirs (immigrants) trace their origins to parts in North India, particularly UP. That is why in Karachi areas have been named after places left behind: UP Morh, Benaras Chowk, Delhi Colony, Amroha Society — all places in this bustling city.
Almost every pan shop has the Pan Parag and Indian gutka. Indian brands are easily recognised. That is also because the most popular TV channel in the city is Star Plus.
"Thousands of people tune into Indian soaps every day," comments Muhammad Ayaz, a media planner, who says that this reality means that Pakistani advertisers are keen to plug their products on Indian channels. But the government will have none of it.
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You cannot take India out of the hearts of the people of Karachi' - Hindustan Times