Miss Wanderlust has always been most fascinated by Pakistan – a country so close, yet so far.
Truth be told, my interactions with the country have been limited. I remember growing up to stories of my cousins in Pakistan (my aunt fell in love and married a Pakistani, moving from Bombay to Karachi). During my trip to the Wagah Border in 2013, I peered over the imposing boundary walls, full of intrigue for the country that lay beyond. Recently, I’ve met Umer, a brilliant photographer from Karachi, who’s shown me the country through his lens.
Over the years, I have realised that the average person has little idea of everyday life in Pakistan (beyond cricket). Yes, there’s more to the country than what we see in the news. Much, much more.
Presenting: Postcards from Pakistan
Postcards from Pakistan is an ongoing collaborative project with the people of Pakistan which brings to life the very essence of this vivid and vibrant country. The people, their dreams and aspirations. The smells. How they see life. Moments from everyday life. The extraordinary ordinary. The colour and chaos. And above all, a glimpse into a Pakistan you probably never knew of.
Today’s postcards are from Peshawar, Pakistan – as curated by the delightful folks at Humans of Peshawar.
“I have twin nephews, one of them wants to join the Pakistan Army while the other one doesn’t like the Army, they end up fighting each other all the time over this matter but still if one gets hurt the other one cries too.”
Men sipping on the traditional green tea near Charsadda Road, Peshawar
These children were trying to clean up the street.
As seen on Bara Road, Peshawar
“Why are you taking my photograph? It’s not my wedding!”
Everyday life in Peshawar’s bustling Sardar Bazaar
“I am just an ordinary person, why do you want my photograph?”
“We carry groceries for people in these carts in the Sunday market. We don’t charge them much but some people are very generous. This one here is good at making sad faces, which earns him good tips.”
Waiting, she covered her face as the world bustled past around her.
“How much do you love your brother?” “He is not my brother!”
“I was a bright student but the terrorists bombed my school. I used to help my grandfather with our family business as well and now I have to listen to these people yelling at me.”
“What do you like doing?” “I want to buy a camera and take photographs, I walk 3kms everyday to learn Photoshop”
“I used to run a small shop at my village but it wasn’t enough so now I’m a rickshaw driver”
“What do you wanna be when you grow up?” “Shahid Afridi”
“Its not a gun, I just found this in the trash.”
“Take my picture when I am riding my Vespa.”
“The man I was talking to, just spent 2 years in London. Instead of getting influenced by the life style of those people, he maintained his simplicity. We, on other hand, try to copy from the West – their culture, their way of living and forget who we really are.”
Another thing Peshawar famous for is Naswar (snuff). here is a snuff seller seen on Ring Road.
“Back in our days we used to think so many times before taking a single photo.”
“Can I take your photograph?” “Sure, but here have a cup of tea first.”
Want to be a part of our Postcards from Pakistan project? Get in touch with us!
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