Couple arrives in Karachi on 271st day of world tour

They started their journey from Johannesburg in their customised Land Cruiser

KARACHI: On the 271st day of their overland journey from South Africa to Pakistan, Farhan Ahmed Khan, a Pakistani-South African, arrived in Karachi with his Indian-South African wife, Khairunnisa Khan, on Friday night.

The long-awaited journey was planned in 2009 when the couple came to attend the marriage of Farhan's cousin in Karachi. It was the first time Khairunnisa came to visit Pakistan.



The young couple's journey started on March 1 this year from Johannesburg in their customised SUV and their first leg of journey ended in Karachi at the house of Farhan's aunt in DHA. Their vehicle is a 2009 model Toyota Land Cruiser, 76 series, and is registered in South Africa. Farhan, 37, told The Express Tribune that he had his vehicle customised and fixed with necessary equipment for camping, such as refrigerator, stove and two water tanks of 180 litres. Recalling the memories of his journey, he said, "High-level planning was required but technology makes everything easy nowadays."



Currently, the couple's plan is to travel upcountry after taking a few days' rest. They are applying for the extension of the visa as it's for only one month for Pakistan. They wish to reach China through Khunjerab Pass on Karakoram Highway, where finally they will end their memorable journey. However, they have also heard that they might not be able to cross Khunjerab Pass due to heavy snowfall in winters.

The couple entered Pakistan on the 269th day of their road trip through Taftan Border on Wednesday. They stayed overnight in Dalbandin and reached Quetta on Thursday. On Friday morning, Khairunnisa drove on RCD Highway to end their first leg of journey by reaching their family home in Karachi. According to Farhan, the journey was an enlightening experience for them. "We have a better understanding of the world, places and people," he said. "It has been an eye-opening experience and it made me closer to the Creator and my partner." Farhan added that they also tried to portray a positive image of Pakistan on their journey across three continents.



Such road trips seems to be in the blood of Farhan as he got his land-travelling streak from his grandfather, Ghulam Rasool Mian, who, along with his wife and three daughters including Farhan's mother, embarked on a journey with a caravan from South Africa in 1964 to perform Hajj and came to Pakistan in 1966 and then went to Gujarat, India.

The pictures and videos of the couple's 30,000-kilometre-long journey can be seen on their Facebook page, called 'The Khan Playground'.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 29^th, 2015.