Mokarram Hossain (back from Pakistan) :
It had been drizzling outside since early morning. The day was Sunday, the 12th of May. After having breakfast we, the visiting members of Bangladesh media delegation to Pakistan, were scheduled to leave for Murree — about 64 kiometres far from capital Islamabad — for almost a day-long trip.
Even when we were boarding the vehicle, there were still little drops of rain. However, the sky started to clear very fast. As it was summer time, the landscapes were awe-inspiring and the roads all around the entire way were awfully green.
After crossing the capital’s periphery what I myself witnessed from the windowpane of our vehicle that the birds were chirping as if they were singing songs to welcome us, while monkeys swayed in the trees and also seen standing and moving in a relax mood on the wayside gardens, may be waiting for the visitors to offer them some food.
After around 45 minutes’ drive, we were taken to a restaurant on the top of a hill to take coffee or tea to further energize ourselves to explore the beautiful and charming hills of Murree. We also captured the scenic beauties of hills around the restaurant with our cameras.
We started for Murree again after a half-an-hour rest. We reached a point in Muree from where vehicles are not allowed to proceed. Thus we got down from our vehicle and walked downwards for about 10 to 15 minutes and reached GPO point. There we were asked to move around for 30 minutes.
There is the most famous street — Mall Road. It is a long, pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants and cafes. It is the busiest street in Muree and is always full of local and foreign tourists. Mall Road is the best place for people to watch, do some shopping or grab a bite to eat. We bought some Kashmiri shawls and some souvenirs from the Mall Road.
Instead of 30 minutes, it took more than an hour to assemble here again in front of the GPO. We then started to walk a bit upward this time to board our vehicle. But this time it took around 20 minutes to reach the vehicle. After more than half an hour’s drive we reached a restaurant for lunch that was booked earlier. After having lunch we went sightseeing.
After ups and down we reached Kashmir point and took several individual and group pictures. This part of Kashmir is called Azad Kashmir.
Mentionable, Kashmir point is a Must-See when visiting Murree. It’s a scenic viewpoint and from here the mountains of Kashmir can be viewed.
This point is situated of 2,292 meters or (7516 feet) above sea level and the highest view at location. With its rolling hills and panoramic views surrounded by lush green forests, it is one of the picturesque spots in Murree. No wonder this spot is often called the most beautiful place in Murree. We visited Kashmir point at the best time as it was summer. The weather was pleasant, and it was the perfect time to enjoy the scenic views of the Kashmir Mountains.
Indeed, these are the places to escape the hustle and bustle of today’s busy life and simply reconnect with the pleasure of existence. Our visits to these mountains were truly a journey of the mind, body and spirit, and the memory would remain forever in the days to come.
It will be unkind if we do not mention Ambreen Jan, the Director General of the External Publicity Wing of the Government of Pakistan. She had taken all the troubles accompanying us on the day-long trip from Islamabad till return. Thanks to Madam Ambreen who had arranged all the programmes in Pakistan very systematic, cordial and lively.
Besides, Zahid Khan, Director of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting; Assistant Directors Ms. Amina and Ms. Ikra gave us wonderful company throughout our Islamabad programmes as well as the Murree trip. These are simply unforgettable. Because of their sincere hospitality the whole trip, from starting to end, was no doubt, full of amazing and awesome experiences.
In a nutshell, Murree is the most beautiful and best place I have ever visited. After spending the day-long tour we returned to Islamabad in the evening. We were tired but had no scope to rest. It was the last day of our visit to Pakistan. So, we were busy with packing our goods as we had to leave the hotel by 10:00 PM, four hours ahead of the flight schedule, for Islamabad International Airport.
The departure time was 2:00 in the night. With a heavy heart we had to say goodbye to our host who accompanied us up to the airport. It’s a touchy moment, indeed.