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It was in 1990 when mobile phones were introduced in Pakistan. Initially, this facility was provided by only two companies, Paktel and Instaphone, later other companies came and the facilities also increased like SMS, MMS and CLI etc.


Initially, it made sense to pay for the call, but at that time, the person receiving the call also had to pay. If my memory and information are correct, Skype was the first app that provided almost free calling, and after that, it was just a matter of time.


Today there are such apps like WhatsApp, Imo, Messenger, Botem etc. through which phone calls have become free but man is becoming more and more lonely. Earlier there were people to talk to but there was a lack of facilities. Today there are plenty of facilities but there are no people to talk to and man is forced to suffer the torment of loneliness.


Did this happen in a day? No, not at all! Rather, some of us have regularly irrigated it with the fertilizer of our ego and some have even watered it from the pond of pride and arrogance, then somewhere this tree of loneliness has grown and is now bearing the fruits of loneliness. Is this a result of one-sided behavior or is the fire burning equally on both sides? One basic thing to understand is that the abundance of communication has made communication difficult.


First, we started calling each other without thinking and without considering the time, and people made the call conditional on their needs and benefits. As a result, if the benefit was seen, the call would be received, otherwise the call remained waiting, and sometimes, even a useless call was choked, meaning the call was disconnected after a few rings.


If we come to the very basic reasons of this problem, the fact is that no one wants to listen to anyone anymore and everyone just wants to talk. Why would anyone listen to someone's difficult conversation anymore? Anyway, nowadays such a conversation is called toxic conversation. Some speakers are also at fault for this, that once they start, they don't even stop, as if they are preaching and you have to listen.


No matter how controversial the conversation is, you don't even have room for disagreement. Rather, it is more appropriate to say that disagreement has become intolerable and disagreement means personal enmity and the one who does it becomes a mortal enemy. Although it should have been that only one of the two words of mortal enemy was used. People are still ready to listen to someone's story, no matter how illogical and irrelevant it may be, it should be our benefit. If you don't believe me, look at the literary gatherings organized by individuals in the city and after listening to the discussions there, you will believe in humanity and philanthropy to the extent of this event and if you are not a guest at the next event, this belief will end with the event and will be re-established at the next invitation.


Is there a solution to this problem? There is a solution, as someone has rightly said, that earlier houses were small but hearts were big. Now houses have become big but hearts have become small. Now we have to make hearts big again, not as a medical symbol but as a symbol of relationships. The heart has to be widened and expanded so that people can fit in it once again.


One should rejoice in the happiness of people. One should share in their sorrows. One should abandon things and embrace people. One should put material gains aside and include spiritual gains in one's priorities.


Finally, instead of a story, as usual, a true story and this is my own story. It is a very long time ago that I met an old friend on the way. He complained about not meeting him. As usual, I made the excuse of being busy. He took a deep breath and said, "Have I not met anyone socially during this time? Have I not gone to anyone's house for a party? Or has anyone not come to my house for a party?" I answered all three questions in the affirmative.


At this, my friend put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Look, friend, I am not one of your priorities, that is why we did not meet. The day I become your priority, you will have time and resources." He had completely cleared me. I have no qualms in admitting that I was not ready for such truth, but I was brave enough to admit my shortcomings, and I did.


If we, even today, put aside material benefits and things and include people in our priorities, perhaps that golden time will return and this torment of loneliness will diminish.

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There have been some diseases in human history that have raised questions about the existence of the human race. Cancer is still the most terrifying of them. But science has given man the message that even in the dark, a lamp can be lit.

One of these lights is the HPV vaccine (Human Papillomavirus Vaccine), which can be called "Human Papillomavirus Protective Medicine" in Urdu. This vaccine is a great achievement in today's scientific world for protecting the lives and health of women, especially.


Global research and innovation


The HPV vaccine was first developed in the 1990s when Australian scientist Professor Ian Frazer and his colleague Jian Zhou developed virus-like particles. These particles do not spread the disease but prepare the body for an immune response. It was first introduced in the US in 2006 as Gardasil, followed by more effective versions such as Cervarix and Gardasil 9.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the vaccine prevents about 70% to 90% of cervical cancer cases in women. In countries such as Australia, the UK and Norway, this vaccination program has been so successful that the rate of cervical cancer among young people has been reduced by more than half.



Need in Pakistan


In Pakistan, about 5,000 women suffer from cervical cancer every year, while the mortality rate is close to 60%, because the disease is usually diagnosed late. This disease is not limited to women alone, but also affects the survival of the family, the upbringing of children and the moral structure of society. In such a situation, the use of the HPV vaccine seems inevitable.

Furthermore, global research has proven that HPV is not only a threat to women but also to men. The virus can cause cancer of the mouth, throat and genitals in men. Significant protection against it has also been seen in men after vaccination in the United States and Europe.


Social and religious barriers


There are several obstacles to the promotion of this vaccine in Pakistan.
Some quarters call it a Western conspiracy and oppose it on religious grounds.
There is also a fear among parents that this vaccine will promote sexual freedom among the youth.
Due to ignorance and lack of knowledge, it is often considered unnecessary or unsafe.


The position of Islamic countries and scholars

Some Islamic countries have not only implemented HPV vaccination programs, but scholars have also declared it permissible under Islamic law. For example, in Malaysia, in 2010, the Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM) issued an official fatwa stating that HPV vaccination is "permissible" to prevent cervical cancer if the vaccine does not contain any questionable ingredients and is not harmful.

Similarly, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) included the HPV vaccine in its national immunization program in 2018, and its National Immunization Technical Advisory Group supported it at the government level.

Furthermore, public attitudes and research in the Saudi Arabian province of Jazan showed that medical and religious arguments made the use of vaccines acceptable, despite religious concerns.

These examples are proof that the protection of human life is a top priority in Islam, and when a medicine is a means of saving life, its use can be considered not only permissible but almost obligatory.

The HPV vaccine is not just a medical invention and necessity for Pakistani society today, but also a guarantee of women's lives and social survival. If the government includes it in regular programs like other means of national immunization, thousands of lives can be saved every year. For this, it is necessary to remove social and religious misconceptions by taking into account data, research and global experiences.

Note= This Contact Copy Express News

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Elon Musk's company SpaceX has revolutionized the world of the internet. The provision of fast and uninterrupted internet has become a basic human need, which is becoming a source of economic and social benefits.


At a time when internet speed is under discussion in Pakistan and users often face problems due to slow internet, the arrival of Starlink in Pakistan is a common topic. Of course, this facility is a huge step forward for developing countries like Pakistan in the digital era and this is why the Government of Pakistan and the relevant government departments seem serious about bringing this service to Pakistani users safely.

Starlink, the satellite internet project of Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, is going through various stages to launch its services in Pakistan. Starlink has completed its registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). According to Minister of State for Information Technology, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, the preparation of the regulatory framework is underway after the company’s registration. Authorities are consulting foreign experts to formulate a comprehensive policy regarding non-stationary and non-geostrophic low-Earth orbit satellites. This policy will ensure that the satellites do not interfere with local frequencies.

The good news is that Starlink itself is considering the Pakistani market as one of its important markets and Starlink has included Pakistan in the list of countries where Starlink services will soon be available. One of the most frequently asked questions about Starlink services is whether its price will be within the purchasing power of the common consumer or not?

Experts say that Starlink services are not cheap, and its arrival could deepen the digital divide in Pakistan, where a select few will be able to benefit from it while others will have to rely on the same slow internet services. Starlink aims to provide high-speed internet in remote and rural areas where traditional internet services are unavailable or slow. However, due to its high cost, these services will not be within the reach of every individual user. Looking at the cost in the countries where Starlink service is currently available, it is not difficult to say that Starlink services can be many times more expensive than traditional internet services, which indicates that this facility will be out of reach of the average user.

The expected monthly fee for users could be US$99 (approximately 27,000 Pakistani rupees), while the dish and router used to provide internet could cost US$549 (approximately 150,000 Pakistani rupees).


How will Starlink services affect the business of broadband internet providers in Pakistan?


The arrival of Starlink could provide competition to local internet providers, especially in areas where their services are limited or substandard. However, its immediate impact may be limited due to Starlink’s high price and regulatory requirements. Moreover, Starlink services will only be launched after the government has developed and approved a regulatory framework, giving local companies time to improve their services.


In which countries are Starlink services available and which segments are benefiting from it?

Starlink services are available in more than 100 countries and territories around the world. These countries include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, and New Zealand. Starlink initially targeted individual users, especially those living in rural or remote areas where traditional broadband Internet is unavailable or limited. However, in recent years, Starlink has also begun to provide its services to businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies.

It is also important for consumers to know how much faster Starlink will be compared to broadband internet and other services available in Pakistan.

For this, we need to examine the current internet speed in Pakistan. Unfortunately, Pakistan is among the countries with the lowest internet speeds in the world. In the global ranking, Pakistan ranks 198th in terms of internet speed, which is even lower than countries like Palestine, Bhutan, Ghana, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and Libya. Pakistan’s average broadband speed in fixed broadband is around 10 to 20 Mbps, which is much lower than the global average of 78.62. Similarly, the average mobile internet download speed in Pakistan is also around 20 Mbps.

If we compare the internet speed in Pakistan with Starlink, then Starlink is definitely going to revolutionize the internet speed in Pakistan. According to initial reports, the speed and performance of Starlink’s internet service is remarkable. Some users have reported download speeds of up to 150 megabits per second (Mbps), while some recent reports have also mentioned speeds of up to 264 Mbps.

Starlink download speeds typically range from 50 Mbps to 250 Mbps, although some reports have reported speeds of up to 300 Mbps, especially in areas with low subscriber numbers. Upload speeds typically range from 10 Mbps to 20 Mbps. Starlink latency is 20-40 milliseconds (ms), which is close to traditional broadband, but higher than fiber optic connections (5-10 ms).

In comparison, traditional broadband internet (DSL or fiber) speeds in Pakistan currently range between 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps. Good quality fiber optic connections provide speeds of up to 200 Mbps, but are available in limited areas. Upload speeds in Pakistan are generally lower than downloads, often between 1 and 20 Mbps, while traditional broadband connections have latency between 30-50 ms, which is close to Starlink.

Starlink's satellite internet facility will benefit remote, especially rural areas of Pakistan, where it will be possible to increase the average internet speed from five to ten Mbps to 50 to 100 Mbps through Starlink. This speed will improve the quality of video conferencing with the help of internet in rural and remote areas, which will help accelerate the process of social development by improving health, education, agriculture and streaming services.

The arrival of Starlink will introduce a new realm of possibilities for Pakistan's emerging gaming industry, where Starlink's superior (low) latency will help significantly improve gamer performance.

4K videos can be viewed easily on Starlink, while HD or Full HD streaming is possible with traditional broadband, but buffering may occur in 4K. This facility will lead to the growth of the Pakistani entertainment industry and will improve access to sports matches, TV shows and international content, while delivering high-quality content made in Pakistan to consumers.

Starlink, which provides satellite internet, requires clear and direct access to the sky, as its system relies on line of sight between satellites and ground stations. Tall buildings and unsightly construction in densely populated cities can affect Starlink performance in various ways.

While examining the benefits of Starlink's high-speed satellite internet facility, it is important to also mention the challenges that may hinder the achievement of this facility or the implications that may threaten Pakistan's internal security.

Urban infrastructure, such as tall buildings, bridges, and other structures in the path of Starlink services, can obstruct the signal between the satellite dish and the satellites. These obstructions can reduce signal strength or even completely cut off the internet connection. Uneven construction and narrow streets can create a lack of suitable space for the satellite dish, where it can see a wide area of ​​the sky. A large number of users can put pressure on the signal distribution in a limited area, which can reduce speed and quality of service. In addition, weather effects can also cause disruptions, including air pollution and fog in urban areas, which affect the satellite signal and exacerbate existing obstacles.

These issues and obstructions can reduce signal strength, which can affect download and upload speeds. Completely blocking the signal between buildings can cause the internet to drop out frequently. Obstructions can cause the signal to take longer to reconnect, which can increase latency.

Tall buildings and unsightly structures certainly pose challenges for Starlink services, but modern technology and satellite constellations can help mitigate these issues. Urban users need to install dishes in appropriate locations and take advantage of Starlink’s technical support. Around the world, these problems are being solved through technology, which can also be useful in countries like Pakistan.


Could satellite connectivity through Starlink increase security concerns in Pakistan?


Some security and regulatory concerns have been raised about the potential arrival of Starlink in Pakistan. Officials say the satellites could disrupt local frequencies, prompting a comprehensive policy that covers all aspects. Data transmission through foreign satellite networks could also raise national security concerns, as it could reduce government oversight and control.

The creation of a comprehensive regulatory framework is essential to address potential threats to national security, and these days, the Government of Pakistan and relevant agencies, in consultation with foreign experts, are preparing to create such a strong regulatory framework that will ensure the protection of the country's ideological and geographical borders and maximize the economic and social benefits of this important change in the world of technology and the Internet.
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In the past, there were people with sensitive hearts who knew the rights of their neighbors, relatives, and siblings well. They did their jobs honestly, did not touch what was forbidden, and shunned bribery. Only then did their children become obedient, discerning, and honorable.


But alas, alas, now the trend has changed. People have fallen into the pit of greed to the point that they do not remember their neighbors or relatives. If they remember, they only remember money, brown, blue, green, Quaid-e-Azam. Otherwise, who remembers Quaid-e-Azam and how his hard work made this country possible? Today, bribe-taking hypocrites are found in abundance in every institution, just as they used to be noble in the olden days.

It is common to usurp people's rights and the funny thing is that there is no remorse either. Just as their ancestors slept with their minds buried under the soil, similarly today everyone's conscience has also died an accidental death buried under the soil. Otherwise they would have realized that those who have spent 30, 35 years of their blood, sweat, and tears, without caring about winter, summer, autumn, spring, and winter, have their own children and homes. Money is needed to run a house.

When he is in a job, the Accountant General of Sindh has a record of his salary, how much basic salary is there, how much gross, how much GP fund will be deducted, how much has been done, which allowances will be received, which ones will not? All the records are there. Which bank does the salary go to? Everything is written there in a record card, of which he gets a detailed pay slip every month, in which all the records are shown. But after retirement, it was made so difficult to get his dues that he sometimes has to go to the secretary, sometimes to the director, and sometimes to the regional director to get his own money.

But the file does not move forward for months until Quaid-e-Azam's brown, blue, green, and red wheels are installed in it. Pension also runs on basic. My question to the corrupt rulers sitting in the government of this country is, is it only you who feel hungry? Luxury is the right of only your children? Only you can travel in a car? Only you can eat food in good hotels? You can wear branded clothes, shoes, watches, and glasses? The person thanks to whom you have come to this point, set the goals of progress, retires and suffers the pressure of offices only so that if his dues are met, rations can come to his house, his children's fees, house rent, medicine, etc. are arranged.

Why don't these big bureaucrats, the rulers elected by our own votes sitting in the houses, take any action against this injustice? Why are the pension and gratuity files of the teachers hidden by showing their mastery only so that they can also give them a large share of the money they receive? Why are the teachers harassed by asking for records of everything even though the AG Sindh has the records? Why are they forced to face the pressure of the offices by raising new objections every time? Then we say that our country is not progressing.

In a nation where teachers are forced to work hard to earn their dues after teaching for thirty to thirty-five years, and it is possible to earn their money in a year or even more, then shame on such institutions that humiliate teachers. Then those societies are also humiliated and humiliated that push teachers every day from offices.

I request the authorities above to change the system. Don't take months or years to give the rightful owner his right. Make it easy to collect the dues. Until the dues are cleared, at least pay his pension in full. While the law has been issued that no one's pension will be stopped. If you visit the directorate today, you will find files of thousands of retired people lying in dust in the offices, which a teacher has been crying for months to get signed. Why?

Why is this process not made easy? While all the records are available in the Accountant General Sindh, why are all the paperwork not completed and their dues cleared as soon as possible? The authorities, the Supreme Court should take legal action on this and set a date to make it possible to obtain pension and dues. If anyone's pension file is delayed in the directorate for more than 15 days, a fine will be imposed. The rest of the institutions will also be bound within a month that no one's papers will be withheld. They will be immediately signed and sent to the AG Sindh.
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Pakistan's politics has always been balanced between negotiations and disagreements, but the current political landscape is extremely sensitive and uncertain.


The meeting held in the context of ongoing talks between the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) remained fruitless. The important question is why is the PTI avoiding presenting its demands in writing, and what could be the possible reasons behind this hesitation?

Written demands are always a strong document, which can be used as a reference later. PTI may fear that their written demands can be used against them in the future. It is also possible that the government may interpret these demands as it wishes, which will harm PTI's position.

PTI's core demands include sensitive issues such as a judicial commission on the May 9 incidents, the release of political prisoners, and the closure of cases. It may be difficult for the party to present these demands in writing, as they could lead to controversy in the public and judicial arenas.

Possible differences within the PTI leadership and negotiating team could also be a reason for this hesitation. Leaders like Ali Amin Gandapur claim to have brought an offer for Imran Khan to be transferred to Bani Gala, which shows that different circles within the party are proposing different strategies.

The closure of cases included in Imran Khan's demands is a complex matter. If political activists were indeed involved in mischief, it will not be easy for the courts to close these cases. The PTI probably does not want to take a weak stance with the government on these points.

Imran Khan’s possible transfer to Bani Gala under house arrest is also a key aspect of the ongoing negotiations. According to his sister, the offer came through Ali Amin Gandapur, which raises the question of whether the proposal is an indication of a possible concession from the government or a new decision within the party. The offer to confine Imran Khan to Bani Gala could be a move not only for his personal safety but also a strategy to limit his political activities.

The success of the talks between the government and the PTI depends on the policy of ‘take some and give some’. In this process, both sides will have to show flexibility in their positions. The key points of the talks include the demand for the establishment of a judicial commission on the May 9 incidents, the release of political prisoners, and the closure of cases. However, these points will prove effective only if both sides seriously consider them.

The verdict in the Al-Qadir Trust case against Imran Khan is expected on January 13. This case is important not only for Imran Khan but also for the political future of PTI. The delay in this case may be to create time for the negotiation process so that both sides can reach a possible agreement.

Pakistan is currently facing a serious economic and political crisis. Failure of negotiations could push the country further into chaos. Both sides must abandon their stubbornness and prioritize national interests. In the current circumstances, reaching an acceptable agreement is the only way to pave the way for political stability and economic recovery.

Urgent steps are needed to restore trust between the government and the PTI. Without this, the negotiation process cannot move forward. If the military, judiciary, and other institutions remain neutral and play a facilitating role in the negotiations, the political crisis can be reduced. There is increasing pressure from the public on both sides to end their differences and put the country on the path of development.

In the current political scenario of Pakistan, the talks between the government and the PTI are of utmost importance. Both the parties will have to put aside their respective hesitations and reservations and sit down together. For the success of the talks, it is essential that the PTI presents its demands clearly in writing, and the government takes these demands seriously. This is not the time for stubbornness, but for unity and compromise to save the country from political chaos.

In the current circumstances, any decision or agreement, no matter how imperfect, could be an important step in pulling the country out of the current crisis.
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Death is real and we all believe and know that death has a set day, but we never imagined that death would start running on the streets of Karachi in the form of tankers with the blessings of the administration.


According to one news report, 482 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in Karachi in 2024. According to another report, this number is 601 people and 27 people have lost their lives in traffic accidents in the eleven days of the new year. If this trend continues at this average, then God forbid, the number in 2025 will definitely be more than 2024.

In any civilized society, traffic is a reflection of the general behavior of that society and it is the responsibility of the state to keep it within the ambit of the law. At present, tankers are spreading death on our roads and the state seems helpless in front of them or wants to appear helpless.

In any major city in the world, heavy traffic hours are set during which they can pass through the city and these are usually from night to early morning so that there is no disruption to daily civic life. Now if the administration were to shut off the water supply to the entire city for weeks, not days, without any alternative, then these tankers would also be seen delivering water and distributing death on the city streets throughout the day.

It is extremely unfortunate and even insensitive that a large number of the drivers of these tankers are young drivers and most of them do not have any license at all and they are driving these heavy vehicles without any license. Yes, if they have any license, it is a license to kill which only James Bond has in English movies and that too he gets after special training while the drivers of these tankers are doing this work without a license.

Is there any solution to this problem? There is no problem in the world that does not have a solution. First of all, the government has to determine whether it considers it a problem and whether it really wants a solution to it? Believe me, if the answer to this question is a sincere yes, then understand that half the problem has already been solved. Before we come to a formal solution, because the solution will mean strictly ensuring the implementation of the existing laws and issuing some new laws. This should not mean opening new doors for bribery, but rather its aim is to protect the lives and property of the people. For this, the following are suggestions:


The hours for tankers to enter the city should be set and strictly enforced.

Tankers should not be allowed on the road during school and office commuting hours, as people are in a hurry at that time and the accident rate is higher during these times.

All tanker companies and contractors should be required to hire only licensed drivers, and drug addicts should be prosecuted.

All tankers should be inspected periodically to check the performance of their brakes and other components.

The condition of the roads also needs to be improved because they are also a major cause of accidents.

Training of traffic police is also necessary so that they can ensure law enforcement.

Tankers, regardless of their organization or owner, should not be exempted from any kind of protection.

These are just a few suggestions, if implemented, these accidents can be significantly reduced. Finally, we would like to give some suggestions to motorcyclists and their families, and this concludes this article.

Parents of motorcyclists are requested that if your children have taken a motorcycle on their own or you have bought it for them, now it is your primary responsibility to keep an eye on it. Just getting them a motorcycle is not a duty, but it is also your responsibility to train them and make them believe in the importance of their own and other people's lives. Nowadays, usually the lighting in the motorcycles of young people is not arranged at all or it is damaged. The braking conditions are also usually poor. Just understand that this motorcycle is completely ready for any accident. It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their children's motorcycle is technically capable of riding so that accidents can be avoided.

Finally, some messages for the youth who ride motorcycles. Granted, there is a lot of thrill in speed, but there is also death. Breaking the law is not bravery, but following the law is bravery. Bravery is a virtue if it is within limits, otherwise the extreme of bravery is foolishness. For God's sake, save yourself from unnecessary speed and know the value and dignity of your life. You are the future of your family and the country and do not ruin it for a little haste.

Dare to imagine one day that your body is brought to your house as a result of a traffic accident and then see for yourself what happens to your family and what happens to them? If you have seen it once in your imagination, the next time your hand will not go beyond a certain and legal speed.
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In today's modern era, you can reach Multan from Rawalpindi, Islamabad via motorway in seven hours, while the Thal Express, which leaves Rawalpindi at 7:20 am, completes its journey to Multan in sixteen hours, and it may be delayed even further at times.


The purpose of telling this is to invite those tourists who love train travel, whose faces cannot be touched by the dirt and dust of the train, who like the black smoke coming out of the train engine, who have no worries about when the train will reach its destination. Who like to get off at every station and hear the train whistle and then board the train, who do not care about the speed of the train and why it is running slowly, because they like the train journey and the passing scenery. Who like to pass through mountains, tunnels, rivers. This trip is for adventure lovers and not for those who like comfort.

The train passing through the Potohar, Hazara, Saraiki, Punjabi regions reveals the different cultures. We, the urban people, who thought that the burqa with a cap was obsolete, but after passing through there, we found out that the burqa with a cap is still being worn. People are still living without electricity and gas. There are still no paved roads in some areas, there are still checkpoints built by the British along the railway tracks. There is still a century-old system in the railways.


In the local train, harmony is quickly established with people. We talk to each other, the country's conditions are known, and the difficulties of life are estimated. To travel on the Thal Express, we three friends reached Islamabad from Sahiwal and stayed overnight. Golra Sharif Railway Station was close to our location and the Thal Express's time was 7:38, so instead of Rawalpindi, we booked a car from In Drive for Golra Sharif Station, which was outside the gate in two minutes. At seven o'clock, we had reached Golra Sharif Railway Station. This railway station is also considered one of the most beautiful railway stations in Pakistan and this railway station has also been given the form of a museum. The museum was closed early in the morning, so we spent time looking at the railway steam engines and bogies around.

The sunrise at Golra Sharif Railway Station and the chirping of birds on the centuries-old banyan trees was a mesmerizing sight. Another friend of ours was also supposed to join us from Rawalpindi Railway Station, who had boarded the Thal Express.

While taking photos, the station master kept calling us inside. Finally, we went to the station master's office to listen to him, and we heard the same old things that even tourists are prohibited from taking photos with cameras without a permit. I wonder when these people will change their minds that they can take photos with their mobile phones and not with cameras. In such a short time, our train had reached the platform and the eyes of our friend in the last carriage were searching for us. As soon as the train stopped, we rushed to the last carriage and hugged our fellow traveler. This was our first meeting with a Facebook friend.

As soon as the train started moving, we opened the back door of our last carriage. Seeing the beautiful view and the railway track from this door, our faces lit up. Seeing this view, we even forgot the jolts of the last carriage.

Now, along with enjoying the train journey, a non-stop stream of pleasantries had begun. After stopping at small railway stations, the Thal Express reached Attock Railway Station, where our dear tourist friend Arif Bhai was there to meet us. Arif Bhai has a big hand in promoting the mountain ranges and railway tunnels of Attock. He offered us tea and peanuts. As soon as the train whistled, we met Arif Bhai and boarded the train again. Now an elderly man had also boarded our coach with his goat.

As soon as the train left Attock, we turned to the back door of the coach because now the most beautiful scene of this journey was about to begin. The train had now entered the Kala Chitta mountain ranges, passing through the rivers and canals. We were lost in the black smoke coming out of the engine and the views of the mountains rising around the track. The train had entered the first tunnel. Sitting in the last coach of the railway passing through the Kala Chitta mountain tunnel is a magical experience. As the train enters the dark heart of the tunnel, the light left behind gradually fades and a silence prevails everywhere. The dense darkness inside the tunnel, the echo of the train wheels and the flickering of dim light were creating a unique feeling.


As the train emerges from the tunnel, the scenery changes abruptly. The arched structure of the tunnel left behind and the surrounding mountains, bathed in sunlight, present a magnificent picture. The view from the last carriage, the long, serpentine track of tracks, and the greenery stretching to the distant horizon, feels as if an artist has scattered colors on the canvas of his imagination.

The views from the last coach have a different kind of silence and tranquility. This view was a memorable experience while passing through the Kala Chitta hills. As soon as the last tunnel of the Kala Chitta hill ended, the train started slowing down and the train stopped in front of the beautiful railway station Jhalar near the entrance of these tunnels. We also got off quickly and took a few pictures, and at the same time the train whistled to start. The reason for the train stopping and starting at this railway station was to pass slowly through the continuously bumpy tracks.

Due to the mountainous terrain and bumpy railway line, the train's speed was 40 to 50 kilometers per hour. Sometimes we would enjoy the scenery from the train window, sometimes we would turn to the train door, and as soon as the train stopped at a station, we would get off at that station and take photos with its plaque.

The condition of the railway stations on this track was quite bad. At one o'clock in the afternoon, the Thal Express had reached Dawood Khel railway station. Now the mountain range had ended and the plains of Punjab had begun. On the way, we satisfied our hunger with the famous pakoras and roti at Jund station and had tea at Kandian railway station.

It was getting late and the train had entered the Thal area. The sandy ground around the railway track and the setting sun were presenting a beautiful scene. As soon as the train reached Bhakkar Railway Station, the darkness of evening descended. Now our journey continued in the darkness of night till Multan Railway Station. We friends enjoyed every moment of this journey and every railway station very much. This journey of Thal Express was truly a magical and enchanting journey.

Note: Express News and its policies do not necessarily agree with the views of this blogger.

If you also want to write an Urdu blog for us, pick up a pen and email an 800 to 1,200-word essay along with your photo, full name, phone number, Facebook and Twitter IDs, and a brief but comprehensive introduction to blog@express.com.pk .


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