Pakistan through a foreign lens

Published May 22, 2014
Young girl with captivating eyes, Lahore.
Young girl with captivating eyes, Lahore.
Lahore – on the way.
Lahore – on the way.
Hookah break on the country side, Lahore.
Hookah break on the country side, Lahore.
Men sit in the corner as a bulldozer clears a landslide on the Karakoram Highway.
Men sit in the corner as a bulldozer clears a landslide on the Karakoram Highway.
Kid's reaction to the camera, Lahore.
Kid's reaction to the camera, Lahore.
In the dark alleys of Androon, Lahore.
In the dark alleys of Androon, Lahore.
A young girl from Lahore
A young girl from Lahore
Intricate patterns, Lahore architecture.
Intricate patterns, Lahore architecture.
Morning ritual of Roshni Association in Lahore with their special students.
Morning ritual of Roshni Association in Lahore with their special students.
Waldorf School in Lahore teach children to be free and creative.
Waldorf School in Lahore teach children to be free and creative.
Materials for hair and the hookah.
Materials for hair and the hookah.
A young boy smiles into the camera.
A young boy smiles into the camera.
Children in Hunza
Children in Hunza

When I came to Pakistan to visit friends, I only knew a few stories about this country – the stories that reach Belgium and other countries in the West. In our media databank you'll find stories about Malala, drone-attacks, Taliban and earthquakes. Nothing else.

My stay for a month was too short, but it helped shed light on the unknown beauty of this country.

I saw beautiful architecture, experienced amazing adventures, learnt more about the beauty, the truth and the generosity in the religions and met the most hospitable people. I got addicted to chai. Three weeks later, in Belgium, I still order chai latte, when I can.

There are also other experiences, which tell a different story. Crossing a street can be a nightmare and my planning was sometimes interrupted by power cuts (but sometimes it felt relaxing for an "always connected" girl from a information-overloaded world to spend some hours without phone and internet).

The more people I spoke to in Pakistan, the more I realised I don't know anything about the country. I only know it's more than what Malala, American soldiers and journalists tell us.

Here are a few pictures from my journey to Lahore and Hunza.

Wendy Wuyts is a filmmaker from Belgium

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