I returned to Europe, really disgusted with “my home” where I had always wanted to be.
AMANZIMTOTI, SOUTH AFRICA: This is apropos the article by Chris Cork titled “Another year turns” (March 27). I enjoyed reading this piece. I envy Mr Cork for getting used to the Pakistani way of life and wish him good luck for the future. I have a different story. I was born in Jhelum and grew up in Pakistan. In Europe, the song that I loved was “I want to go home”. When I stopped working, I decided to return to my homeland. It was lovely to be with people and a country where nobody called me a foreigner or an immigrant. That was indeed a good feeling, I assure you. But the love did not last long and I returned to Europe, really disgusted with “my home” where I had always wanted to be. I will not bother the readers with the reasons behind my change of heart. It is a long story. However, I am glad that Mr Cork’s experience has been different.
My wife and I follow the sun and think of today and let our fancies fly with us. I know happiness is when you have good health and bad memories, but sometimes I look back and feel there is a heartache following me.
Sharif Lone
Published in The Express Tribune, March 30th, 2014.
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