Pakistan isn't different from India!

I've hardly known Pakistan or about Pakistan or it's people in last 50 years, as compared to what I've known or started knowing about it/ them in the last 2/2.5 years and the reasons can be traced back to because weak geography & history as I had lost track of my studies during the career making years at school. But, all credit goes to a Indian Television news channel which broadcasts/ airs Pakistani dramas 24 X 7 to TV homes in India.

The channel has been airing the Pakistani dramas since last 2/2.5 years. And, as I am attached with the same Industry, I got a hang of the channel and started watching the dramas it showcased.

I was hardly interested in our home grown TV dramas for various reasons but the moment, me and my wife started watching the Pakistani dramas, we have not only forgotten to even get glimpses of what is being shown on our entertainment channels but have become die-hard fans of dramas from across the border to an extent that we would hardly like to miss the episodes aired during prime time.

The beauty of these shows lies in the fact that they are well directed, executed and acted upon by the protagonists. Also, since they are so relatable to our day to day lives, it ends up giving us homely feel. The more interesting and important aspect of Pakistani dramas is that they end in not more than 40/50 episodes unlike our shows which lasts easily for 1-2 years. It was these dramas that compelled me to know about Pakistan, it's geography, it's people, it's economy, education, lifestyle etc etc.

Centuries ago, we two were one and got separated because of political compulsions. Since our roots are the same, our style of living, our thoughts, our rituals etc are similar as well. Infact, there's hardly any noticeable difference between the people of our two countries.

What I've felt about Pakistan is that it's not a country to be neglected. It has a rich history. It has a strong cultural backdrop. It is a country with vision. It is a country of knowledgeable, educated people. It is not a country which will die in near future. It is a country with rich connections worldwide. A country seemingly with lot of wealth and a strong economy. Hence, it is quite surprising and shocking to read about negative news of Pakistan or/ and its people in our dailies.

Yes, I do not have any idea about terrorism which is groomed domestically. I've learnt about this domesticated terrorism of Pakistan through media only. If it's true, then the Pakistani people will be called powerless that they do not speak about it or stand up to fight against it.

I have made friends, through social portals, with people from across the border and interact regularly with my young friends. I like them, love them and would like to visit them personally in their country and have already thrown my invitation to be my guests here in India.

I would like to know more about Pakistan and its people. I want to interact more with them. I want them to interact more and easily with us.

I urge both the governments to ease out the entry barriers to each other’s country and allow people to roam around freely in each other’s lands.