Razia DesaiPakistan’s soft image has received a global boost, due to the viral capers of captivating American tourist Onija Robbins. The country’s positive treatment of Robbins drew praise from many quarters, not least, international travellers wanting to visit the region.
Fast forward to the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 taking place in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Karachi- several journalists from India appplied for a Pakistani visa from the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai.
Experienced scribe, Uday Biniwale, described the process as accomodating and efficient. “As I am an International Cricket Council-accredited journalist and I had a clearance letter from the Pakistan Cricket Board, my visa was expedited before the weekend, so that I could travel at the earliest.”
Biniwale’s journey started very authentically, with his colleagues joining him on Pakistan’s national carrier, for the three hour journey from Dubai to Lahore.
Even on rain-soaked mornings, the group left their hotel at 6am, so as to catch in some sightseeing ahead of the commencement of matches. One of the more memorable aspects of his trip, was the group’s arrival at the Shri Katas Raj Temple complex, located near the M2 Motorway which links Islamabad and Lahore.
The temple pond holds religious significance for those of the Hindu faith, in that it is said to have been created from the the tears of Lord Shiva, after the death of his consort Sati. Upon arrival at their destination, they explained to the temple authorities where they were from, and were escorted respectfully around the entire complex. This personal milestone was shared by Biniwale, with his wife back home in Pune, Maharashtra.
He also managed to get to the famous Anarkali Bazaar in Lahore, where he bought a traditional outfit for his wife. “Ladies like receiving clothing gifts from Pakistan and the outfit I bought for my wife, has already become famous in our community.”
Sunandan Lele, renown Marathi language reporter, last visited Pakistan in 2008. This time around, he was given permission to travel to four cities- Islamabad, Multan, Lahore and Karachi.
The Pakistan Cricket Board’s Director of Media and Communications, Sami Ul Hasan Burney, ensured that visiting Indian journalists were moved to a VIP area within Gaddafi Stadium, so as to observe the matches from the best vantage point.
Lele defined the experience as unforgettable. “Due to unseasonal rains, there was less cricket, but we did watch Afghanistan beat England, which was a spectacle due to the fervour of the Afghan fans.”
He said the maintenance of the Katas Raj Temple and its surrounding areas, has greatly improved since his last visit. “The temple visit was on Mahashivratri, which is an auspicious day for us. On our exit from the compound, there was some checking by the security forces. Once we informed them that we were Indian journalists covering the Champions Trophy 2025, they immediately offered us some tea and even discussed cricket with us.”
A trip to Pakistan is never complete without mention of its delicious food and the group also ate at a restaurant overlooking the historic Lahore Fort, with the grand Badshahi Mosque as a backdrop. “The food was so filling, that upon our return to Dubai, we had no need for non-vegetarian food for several days.”
Sports anchor Vikrant Gupta’s imposing reputation preceeded him and travelling around Lahore with unflapabble Pakistani journalist Sanaullah Khan, their dual clips have captured the imagination of cricket fans on both sides of the border.
He appeared on a cricket show alongside pace bowler Mohammad Amir and former opening batsman Ahmad Shahzad. “Not only were all the press asking me for interviews and fans taking selfies with me, but Ahmad Shahzad himself, ensured that I encountered Lahore hospitality at it’s best.”
With the Indian team’s matches being played in Dubai, the much-hyped India-Pakistan match on 23rd February did not produce the desired outcome for the tournament hosts. However, it was an occasion on which Indians and Pakistanis residing, studying and working in the city, came to Dubai International Stadium in mixed groups. Journalists from both countries- the senior ones of whom know one another from previous ICC tournaments- were also able to interact with one another in a leisurely setting.
Cricket has once again proven to be a great leveller, breaking down stereotypes and showing the way forward. Pakistan’s hospitality is amongst the best in the world and had the Indian team been permitted to travel to the host country, they would have experienced it firsthand.
