MERI PAKISTAN YATRA-FEBRUARY, 2006 – VII Our host was much concerned about our safe passage to Wagha. He arranged a taxi with his confident driver along with one mobile phone of his family to monitor our movements after regular intervals. We were given an emotional send off. Mrs. Ahmed’s emotions were to her brim; after all we were living with them as family members and not as guests. After taking tea and snakes we set out for Katasraj via Chakwal early in the morning as we wanted to reach Lahore by afternoon as Rakesh was anxious to see Lahore. Katasraj must be about 150 km via Chakwal. Before partition I had visited Katasraj twice via Malakwal- Khura on two Basakhis in my childhood when I was studying in primary school at Malkwal at my maternal house and I knew this route only. When I discussed the route with Mr. Ahmed he knew only one route and that was via Chakwal and infect this was the only route from Rawalpindi. By noon were at Choha Sedan Shah which was known for the distilled Rose water (Gulab-jal/Gulab-ark) and Gulkand (jam prepare with rose- petals and sugar). Choha Sedan Shah to Katasraj was bout half an hour journey. Earlier there used be of plants of roses and locats with pleasant greenery on either side of the road which used to give very soothing fragrance. Not to speak of Rose/Locat plants even the greenery was conspicuously missing though out the road and it was looking barren. We reached Katasraj around 11-00 in the morning. The holy pond was surrounded by loose barb wires and the ruins of ancient buildings. We could not find any man nearby. We took holly water from the pond and washed our face and hands and took some water in our mouth as nectar. The water was cool and tasty. The colour of water in the pond was as blue as of the ocean. It is said that the pond has limitless depth. Katasraj is associated with Mahabharta. When Yudhishtra lost all his four brothers near the pond when they were sent to bring the water and lastly Yudhishtra came and had arguments with Yaksh and gave correct answers to all the questions asked by him. It is said that Pandvas remained here for 4 years out of their exile of 14 years. Pond is also associated with Lord Shiva. When Sati wife of Lord Shiva died, Shiva was carrying mortals of Sati and was weeping, his tears fell on the earth at Katas Raj and Pushkar Raj (Near Ajmer) and created these holy ponds with His tears.. This story is also written in Urdu on the board put by Archaeological department of Government of Pakistan at the site. L.K. Advani, then Deputy Prime Minister of India also visited here and decision was taken at Government level to renovate Katas Raj. The project has been put to dustbin. After a great struggle, the Central Sanatan Dharam Sabha (Northern India) managed to get the visa to visit Katas Raj on Shivratri and or on Bisakhi. We moved around the ancient buildings to take some of snaps of ruins of ancient building. Just before we were leave three men came there who introduced us that they had come to white wash the temples as Jatha from India was to come. We paid our obeisance and took our journey for Lahore via Choha Sedan Shah, Khura. Khura is known for mines of rock salt which was the only salt which was used by us before our migration. At khura we stopped at a shop to know the route to catch the G.T. Road to reach Lahore. Here a man came running to our car and got confirmation from our driver, if I was Janab Bashir Ahmed an MLA of the area. It was a case of mistaken identity. However, our driver confirmed him to avoid further question from him and the man said “Salam Janab” and I replied “Walekam Salam” and our driver was on speed. Our driver could not catch the right road to reach G.T .Road and we lost our way and found we were on the wrong direction. Ultimately from side roads, we could reach Jehlam after crossing the barrage. We got late in this process and It was evening when we were near Lahore. We had hardly crossed Shahdara, suddenly we saw strong mob shouting and running hither and thither. There were flames and dense smokes every where. There was violent demonstration against the cartoonist of Denmark who made cartoon of Prophet Mohammad. After every two or three hours we were in contact with our host Mr. Ahmed on mobile. Here the driver explained the position and sought his guidance to reach the destination. Under the guidance of Ahmed the driver took various side lanes in the city to reach the destination. Ultimately the driver took us to the house of one Mr. Khan who was worriedly waiting for us. Mr. Khan welcomed me in an Indian style and touched my feet and took us to his guest room and served us refreshments and asked the reason for our delay. Mr. Khan was very sweet and respectful. After some times, he took us to a hotel in a lane, near Mall Road where he had booked a room in his name for our night stay. Mr. Khan told us that he had earlier booked the room in posh area but got it cancelled as he considered that that was not safe, in view of the tension in city where curfew was imposed. He further disclosed that the area in which we were was purely a Muslim area and we were not to disclose our identity. After getting refreshment for us he took the driver and car with him and told us that he would come early next morning and we would take breakfast some where out side. We had restless night fearing some one may not knock at door or come though some window even though we had bolted from inside. Khan came very early in the morning and took us to the market. With great difficulties we could find a shop where we could get puri and chhole and lassi. Rakesh was anxious to see Lahore but it was all closed. However, Mr. Khan took us to some places including Anarkali which were though closed. Ultimately he brought to Wagha boarder. We contacted our host Mr. Ahmed to say thanks to him and Mrs. Ahmed and returned the mobile to the driver and thanked Mr. Khan for taking care of us at Lahore. We crossed Wagha without many formalities and got the bus at Wagha for Chandigarh. I must acknowledge that in general public of Pakistan was nice and hospitable except a bunch of blood thirsty terrorist who have put their country on ransom and to whom fortunately did not confront.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Jun 2013 16:58:08 +0000
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