Pakistan and India are two states created after the British decided to leave the Indian Subcontinent. The "Wagah" Border, known as the Atari Border in India, is a border crossing between the both countries. A parade is held there each day since 1959 till this day. It really is a spectacle to watch, as civilians and tourists alike witness the two countries face each other with sheer patriotism and unreal performances.
(this is the Pakistani side of the border, behind the gate there is India, quite a sight, no?)
The lowering of the flags ceremony at the Wagah border is a daily military practice that the security forces of India (Border Security Force) and Pakistan (Pakistan Rangers) have jointly followed since 1959. The drill is characterized by elaborate and rapid dance-like maneuvers, which has been described as "colorful". It is alternatively a symbol of the two countries' rivalry, as well as brotherhood and cooperation between the two nations.
Pakistan and India locked horns in the ICC Champions Trophy final on 18th June, 2017. This cricket match was estimated to be view by over a billion people worldwide. Eventually, Pakistan rose to the top and won the tournament, thrashing India in the final by an astounding 180 run margin.
Now you will be wondering why am I suddenly emphasizing on cricket all of a sudden. Well, my friends and I had made an impromptu, almost sudden plan in the afternoon, on 19th June, one day after Pakistan beating India, to pay a visit the border. Emotions ran high and we had this sudden feeling of patriotism and vigor, and there we were.
(on the other side are Indians, living together with us Pakistanis since centuries but now identified as two different nations for around 70 years)
Here is a photograph that has me in it (yay!). I had worn a Pakistan Cricket Team jersey and we bought a Pakistani flag from one of the street hawkers there. This photo emphasized how much of a significant victory my team had achieved. I am sure all of my countrymen would feel the same way, we're arch rivals, after all. To be honest, it felt kind of bad-ass :D
The Wagah border is still a very attractive place be it for civilians of either country or tourists alike. One thing I would like to mention here is, try to seek the real picture of Pakistan and I'm sure you will get to see and hear words other than terror/war/danger.
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