JUST as the people working at the headquarters suffer from a sense of superiority over their
colleagues in the provincial offices, the Islooites are known for their snobbishness and stiff necks. They are said to be conceited and arrogant as compared to their brothers living in other parts of the country. This is because rubbing shoulders with ministers, federal secretaries, managing directors and CEOs of different organizations all day is part of the capital’s lifestyle, whereas in the provinces a Grade-22 officer would be the highest ranking person you could find.
Civil servants serving in the capital posses different qualities and one of them is adaptability to new situation. Like the seasons of the city, they change into whatever is in vogue. When elected governments are sent packing, the all-powerful bureaucrats play hard-to-get, as they are the ones running the country. When the army takes over and military rulers are in power, they are seen with the khakis, and the month of Ramazan is no exception. During Ramazan, the bureaucrats and the federal ministers flood the mosques for taraveeh and nawafil. This year, all the mosques (whether it is the G or F sector or the prestigious Faisal Mosque) can be seen filled to capacity with federal and state ministers and bureaucrats occupying the front rows. Moreover, with the embargo placed on iftar parties this year, they have all the time for ibadat. Except for the president himself (and Sheikh Rashid as an exception) iftar parties by ministers and high level officers have been banned in the capital. However, it’s an easy guess that this is no austerity drive, but a way to prevent any unprecedented chaos. There can only be 30 iftaris for 30 days of Ramazan, while our cabinet ministers run in a 50-plus number and could not have justly divided the days amongst themselves.
GOLRA RAILWAY STATION: Golra Sharif is the eternal abode of Pir Mehr Ali Shah, a renowned Muslim saint, who preached equality and brotherhood. Located in the south-east of Margalla Hills, camouflaged by foliage and old trees, is the Golra Sharif Railway Station — a sight that speaks of peace and tranquillity.
Spotting the natural beauty and historical significance of the place, the management of the Preparatory School Islamabad decided to celebrate their school’s 14th birthday and take their students and teachers for a day-long picnic. Although hardly a 10-minute drive away from Islamabad, the picnic started from the Rawalpindi Railway Station where students were made to board a train to the Golra Sharif Railway Station. The train, decked with banners saying, Happy Birthday! Preparatory School Islamabad! had been especially booked for them. Their joy knew no bounds when the steam engine, made in 1914, gave its final familiar hoot and chugged out of the platform. In almost half an hour, the train arrived at the Golra Sharif Railway Station where members of the school staff were already present to greet the thrilled visitors.
At the Golra Sharif Station, the students explored the Heritage Point, a railway museum, where vintage items, artifacts and photographs tracing the history of Pakistan Railways have been neatly displayed. The items (salvaged from old trains and time itself) included voltmeters, kerosene lamps and gate signal lamps, electric room heater used in saloons, radios, phones, first aid kits, crockery and cutlery, a grandfather’s clock, tools and documents etc. The highlight of the visit was the Viceroys’ Train and the one belonging to the Maharaja’s daughter. The two trains had been preserved with its original decor and had luxurious bedrooms, baths, kitchens, cupboards, living rooms writing rooms and even servant quarters. It was amazing to see the fans and the lights still in working condition. All the students showed great interest in the working of a steam engine and took turns to pull the wire that blew the horn.
After looking around they settled down and enjoyed the picnic under the shade of old trees that have seen history being made. The entire scene at the Golra Station resembled a shot from the movie, The Railway Children. With the picnic over, the party boarded the train for their return 35-minute ride to the Rawalpindi Railway Station. The children were thrilled as it was not just a picnic, but for many the first train ride of their life.
JUST as the people working at the headquarters suffer from a sense of superiority over their
