Tensions with India affect travel through Wagah

However, traditional parade between Pakistan and India continues uninterrupted


Asif Mehmood August 19, 2019
PHOTO: AFP

LAHORE: The escalating tensions between Pakistan and India have greatly affected the travelers between the two countries through the Wagah border in Lahore.

However, the traditional parade is performed at the border by Pakistan Rangers Punjab Wing and Border Security Forces (BSF) India continues uninterrupted with even a greater number of participants from both the sides.

Thousands of people from Pakistan and India turn at Wagah to see the spectacular sight of military parades amidst growing tensions.

The demonstration imbibes in the spectators energy, which boosts the spirits and morale of the soldiers.

Tensions mounted between Pakistan and India after New Delhi revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and enforced curfew throughout the disputed valley.

The rivalry also halted the trade between the two countries, while bus and train service has also been suspended.

The citizens and foreigners from both the countries can still travel through Wagah border but in view of the deteriorating relations, the number of commuters has drastically reduced.

The traffic at Wagah border has also decreased, while the demonstration in the form of the military parade has gained momentum and called on more spectators to watch the show.

Thousands of people from all over the country reached Wagah to witness the parade on Sunday. The event saw immense zeal and fervour of the spectators and display of patriotism, while the air echoed with the slogans of Allah-o-Akbar and Pakistan Zindabad.

Rabia Ahmed, who had come from Karachi to meet her relatives in Lahore, said she was always interested to see the parade and finally her desire was fulfilled.

“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our army,” she said, adding that she attended the ceremony to boost the morale of the paramilitary forces.

Another woman, Khadija, who witnessed the Sunday display with her family, expressed regard for the officials of Pakistan Rangers as they exhibited their military might by offering gestures to the country’s rivals.

Fahim Ahmed, a young student, who attended the parade, said he wanted peace and not war but if India does not mend its way and continues to oppress Kashmiris, the entire nation was ready to give a befitting response to New Delhi.

The battle of emotions is fought daily at Wagah border. The brave soldiers of Pakistan Rangers respond to the enemy by looking them in their eyes and offer gestures as a mark of respect for their country’s defence.

Though it is a traditional parade and the border security forces of Pakistan and India lower their flags and offer salute according to a set protocol, the ups, and downs in relations between the two countries is frequently visible in the gestures of these soldiers.

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