Journey to the Edge of Pakistan. Lahore to Gwadar

I thought I had seen it all till I decided to travel all the way to Gwadar. Little did I know, that I was going to fall in love with my homeland all over again. From the landscape to the pure hearted people I encountered on my journey, everything seemed like a blessing. We rolled out of South Punjab to witness new  landscapes that seemed to change after a few hundred kilometres. Sometimes the road sliced through avenues of date palm trees; their fronds touching the bright blue sky creating a picturesque view. The roadside was alive for most part of the journey. Traditional rallis draped over cords,  like colourful curtains, welcomed the visitors like us who were unprepared for the next act. Fields of tall sugar cane, bordered the road and locals were busy either extracting juice or making 'gur'. Following the sweet experience, we came across orchards upon orchards. Bananas, guavas and what not! Sindh for me was always associated with the desert, but all I encountered was fertility. And lakes.  And myths and stories of my motherland. And what to say of the landscape beyond Karachi! It was surreal to be driving along a road that had dry cliffs and mud volcanoes on one side, and the dark blue Arabian sea on the other.  Pristine beaches beckoned me and were the best places to witness the sun melt into the sea. In contrast, the ship yards thrived with life.  Gwadar itself has a pulse, that can be felt if you sit on top of a cliff overlooking the hammer head shape of the port city. The city speaks to you. As the night lights flickered and reflected in the silent waters,  I dwelled upon the entire journey and realized that Pakistan has always been rich in resources but we have never been able to make the best out of them.