I am a stranger in my own city

One of my friends would say that war imposed in this region has brought nothing but death, destruction and displacement. Initially, I took it with a jaundiced eye considering it to be an exaggerated statement. But, with each passing day, the bitter reality is unfolding.

While looking deep into the conflict, and the restrictions imposed in its wake, the biggest casualties are in the domain of fundamental rights, both at the hands of the state and the militants.

The militants using all tactics are trying to impose their brand of ideology through the barrel of the gun, thus leaving no freedom of choice to the citizens. They are trying to extort money in the name of jihad, indulge in target killing and bomb blasts.

The state, on the other, in order to enhance security, under the concept of target hardening, is erecting walls and gates, and checkpoints in and around cities, particularly so in Peshawar Cantonment Area. The area of Cantonment with its own aroma would always provide solace and peace of mind. But, slowly and gradually, the vibrant city has been turned into a fortress, depicting a war zone.

One can understand the challenges posed by terrorism but the situation is not as precarious as used to be from 2006 till 2014. At that time the militants had been able to establish their own parallel administration. Kidnapping for ransom, extortion, target killing and suicide attacks were the order of the day. Despite this, apart from checking, requirement of the situation, one could have free ingress into the Cantonment. With sprawling business, life with full brim moved on, demonstrating the resilience of the people.

No doubt, security measures in the form of checkposts and checking were adopted but balance between security and freedom of movement was also maintained. Today, there appears to be a panic while rolling out security.

I was astonished to hear many lawyers who came up grumbling to their President that they had been asked to get entry passes for the Cantonment. On hearing that, I — in order to avoid future embarrassment — asked one of my colleagues in Peshawar Police to get me and my family passes. However, instead of sending me passes, he sent me forms to fill. To my surprise the form sought information, such as permanent residence in Cantonment, service card, etc. While reading the form, I felt myself a stranger in my own city.

It was the same Cantonment where my grandfather lived and reared his 10 children. My father and uncles schooled and played there. They had properties and still have there.

I have my fond memories of my alma mater Cantonment Public School Khyber Road and Edwardes College Mall Road and Fort Road. I distinctively remember each and every road and street through which I would pass.

The seats of my youth, the Company Bagh, and the surroundings, where the thandi sarrak (Mall Road ) connected with Fort Road, I would stroll and how often have I loitered o’er thy green, where humble happiness endeared each scene!

Ah! The nostalgic feeling of Alig Cafee, Silver Star Cafee, Khyber Cafee and Gardeena are treasure of my memories. How, I can forget, Premier Hair Dresser, Faqir Hussain Tailor on Mall Road, Gul Tailors, London Book Company, Saeed Book Bank on Arbab Road. The fantasies of Cantonment, still alive, dance in my mind.

Strolls with father, uncles and cousins were a daily routine and delight to feel. It was a fantasy land for all of us. My romance with Cantonment, developed from childhood till old age, is being invaded, giving me sleepless nights. I am being detached from my beloved city. Oh! My cantonment I still yearn for you.

Though I am a citizen of a free country, my fundamental right to move is being curtailed. With conditions of entry pass, appears, if I move into a different country. The fact is freedom of movement from one place to another is an accepted right in all civilised states all over the world.

Being a Pakistani citizen, unhindered movement — right via walking, driving, riding or flying — is accorded highest priority in the chapter of fundamental rights mentioned in Part-II of the 1973 Constitution. Enjoinment of this fundamental right is also the acid test of Good Governance. But, we are failing in the test.

With pangs of pain, I feel, an area where I studied in Cantonment Public School and Edwardes College till 1978 and also resided with my father till 1983 at Gunner Lane Peshawar and an area where I also served till 2018 is now alien to me.

At times I question myself why the state is treating its servant, who gave the prime time of his life fighting terrorism in Bannu, Swat and Mardan and other areas since 2004 till 2018, like this. Why is the recipient of Quaid e Azam and President’s Police Medal passing thorough this trauma?

Why should I be a stranger in my own city, the Peshawar Cantonment? Obviously, the answer is: you have to bear because peace is missing. Then, sweet town, did I rob your peace? Nay! I with unflinching commitment, while death danced around, I was one of those who acted as a shield to protect you and bring back the charm and solace you used to give to your children. Oh! I can sense what you want. Yes, I got the message. This is the time to rise with one voice, we want peace, no more wars. We want change of paradigm to ensure peace and progress by adopting multiculturalism and multiple discourse.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 29^th, 2023.

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