Over the years I have ventured far and wide, but I have never encountered such severe reaction to my travel plans as I did before this trip to Pakistan.

“Pakistan! You must be crazy! Are you insane?”

That was the general consensus, and I do understand. This is a country plagued by a violent history, political instability and a nasty problem with fundamentalist extremists. It is armed with nuclear weapons whose blueprints and parts have managed to make their way onto the black market. Scary stuff but, as always, if you dig past the headlines and hype, you are likely to find a different story.

I was traveling with a delegation from Network 20/20 whose mission it was to examine the relationship between democracy and non-proliferation and counter terrorism. In a few months, we’ll be putting forth a paper on our findings that I will be happy to forward to you if you wish. In the meantime, I can share with you a few of my photographs and observations.

When people in the U.S. think of Pakistan, many imagine a guy like this. We have seen him on the news screaming for the death of America and we are afraid. Men like that are the exception, not the rule. Most people here long for a robust democracy.

The reality is that there are many more men like this. He, too, deserves a break today.

It’s a poor country, but there are many who strive to make it better. On this trip, I encountered some of the smartest people I have ever met. They are Pakistanis and they are working tirelessly to raise up their country.

Infrastructure is a huge challenge in Pakistan. The country needs good roads and—even more important—reliable power. The electricity goes down every day. This unpredictability prevents the economy from moving forward.

Textiles are a huge export business, but this fellow works strictly on local goods.

Independent women can have a rough time here, yet they have risen to the highest ranks of politics and they will remain an active force in shaping the nation’s future.

It’s hot here—and not just politically. The temperature in Lahore is close to 110 degrees. These two are in a growth business.

Okay, I may not exactly blend in, but even here in Peshawar, on the border to the North-West Frontier Province, people could not have been friendlier. It’s going to take a lot of time to win hearts and minds but, if we don’t start communicating, darker days lie ahead.

More later…

Best,

George

PLANET BILLARD