Multan & Karachi Test Matches

The Lowering of the Flag ceremony at the Wagah / Attari (Pakistan/India) border is a daily military practice that the security forces of both countries perform. Initiated in 1959, the Indian Border Security Force and Pakistan Rangers perform a drill characterized by elaborate and rapid dance-like manoeuvres and marching with legs raised as high as possible, which has been described as “colourful”. It is a symbol of rivalry which still exists between two neighbouring countries even 75 years after the partition.  

The ceremony starts every evening immediately before sunset with a blustering parade by the soldiers from both sides and ends with the perfectly coordinated lowering of the two nations’ flags. One border guard stands to attention on each side of the iron gates; as the sun sets, the gates are opened and the two flags are lowered simultaneously. The flags are then folded, and the ceremony ends with a retreat that involves a brusque handshake between soldiers from either side, followed by the closing of the gates again. 

There is a stadium-like structure of tiered seating on both sides of the border where locals and tourists sit to witness this ceremony. The atmosphere is electric for the locals on both sides as loudspeakers play high pitch patriotic songs and slogans are chanted.

The Lahore tour begins from the greater Iqbal Park, formerly known as Minto Park, located on the outskirts of the walled city. This park is home to Minar-e-Pakistan and spreads over 329 acres enclosing an artificial lake, an 800 feet long musical fountain, an open-air gym, a library and a food court. This walk leads to the Lahore Fort which spreads over 20 hectares and embeds 21 notable monuments some of which date back to the era of Mughal emperor Akbar, who bestowed on the fort a syncretic architectural style that features both Islamic and Hindu motifs.  

Parallel to the fort stands the Badshahi Mosque, which is a Mughal-era congregational mosque, widely considered to be one of Lahore’s most iconic landmarks constructed by Emperor Aurangzeb between 1671-1673. This was the largest mosque in the world from 1673-1986. Today it is the 3rd largest mosque in Pakistan and the largest standing mosque of the Mughal era. After the fall of the Mughal empire, the mosque was used as a garrison by the British and now is one of Pakistan’s most iconic sights. 

Our 4th destination of the day will be Lahore Museum which happens to be Pakistan’s largest museum as well as the most visited one. After partition 40% of the museum’s holdings were shifted to India due to shared history; the rest still remains secure in the Lahore Museum. 

The tour ends with a walk in Anarkali bazaar which is the oldest surviving market in the Indian sub-continent dating back at least 200 years. 

With a population of 25 million Karachi is the largest city of Pakistan. Our tour will start with a visit to the tomb of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. Later we will drive through the crowded Sadar Bazar and will visit the Empress Market built by the British to commemorate Queen Victoria in 1885. We will end our tour with a visit to Clifton sea front, crowded with local families.