Pakistan, Indian tensions become entertainment in border
Relations between Pakistan and India have been stalled by a number of old disputes that have led to tensions along the border areas. Wagah Border in Lahore city is one exception, where friction is less intimidating and more frequently viewed as a source of amusement. The Jakarta Post’s Lilian Budianto visited the area last week on an invitation by the Pakistani government.
Although diplomatic ties between Pakistan and India have remained frayed at the center of the Kashmir dispute, the paramilitary guards from both countries along the Wagah border have shown that tensions are not necessarily hostile. It can be fun — at least for the audience.
Every day before sunset, security forces from both India and Pakistan gather to lower their own flags at the Wagah border dividing the Pakistani city of Lahore in the west with the Indian city of Amritsar in the east.
The flag lowering ceremony could have been a mundane ritual but thanks to the creativity of the guards, the ceremony has become a major attraction that brings local and foreign tourists to Wagah, some 30 kilometers from Lahore.
Although diplomatic ties between Pakistan and India have remained frayed at the center of the Kashmir dispute, the paramilitary guards from both countries along the Wagah border have shown that tensions are not necessarily hostile. It can be fun — at least for the audience.
Every day before sunset, security forces from both India and Pakistan gather to lower their own flags at the Wagah border dividing the Pakistani city of Lahore in the west with the Indian city of Amritsar in the east.
The flag lowering ceremony could have been a mundane ritual but thanks to the creativity of the guards, the ceremony has become a major attraction that brings local and foreign tourists to Wagah, some 30 kilometers from Lahore.