28/09/2015
Lots of climbers and trekkers are heading back to Pakistan with plenty of safety and security measures now in place, Skardu is where we base our operations and it has always been a peaceful and welcoming place.
There is an interesting article in the Telegraph, parts of it below - you can read the full piece here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/pakistan/9100507/Are-we-wrong-about-Pakistan.html
Images by Dave Hancock, going up the Vigne Glacier near K2
The prejudice against Pakistan dates back to before 9/11. It is summed up best by the England cricketer Ian Botham’s notorious comment that “Pakistan is the sort of place every man should send his mother-in-law to, for a month, all expenses paid”. Some years after Botham’s outburst, the Daily Mirror had the inspired idea of sending Botham’s mother-in-law Jan Waller to Pakistan – all expenses paid – to see what she made of the country.
Unlike her son-in-law, Mrs Waller had the evidence of her eyes before her: “The country and its people have absolutely blown me away,” said the 68-year-old grandmother.
After a trip round Lahore’s old town she said: “I could not have imagined seeing some of the sights I have seen today. They were indefinable and left me feeling totally humbled and totally privileged.” She concluded: “All I would say is: ‘Mothers-in-law of the world, unite and go to Pakistan. Because you’ll love it’. Honestly!”
Mrs Waller is telling the truth. And if you don’t believe me, please visit and find out for yourself.