Pakistan through a foreign lens

Published May 22, 2014
Young girl with captivating eyes, Lahore.
Young girl with captivating eyes, Lahore.

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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