WE visited Lahore last weekend after over a year and got a pleasant surprise. We found Lahore clean, better organised as we travelled along the Canal bank from the Motorway.

The banks were clean, fresh grass laid out and perennial plants being planted. Even the canal water was surprisingly clean. So we started our trip with a ‘feel good’ feeling.

The next day we had to visit township, and pass through the dreaded Kalima Chowk. Our last year’s trip had been harrowing, through winding narrow streets with no way out or around.

There was a brand new underpass which carried us through without traffic lights all the way up to the university grounds before we even found our bearings.

On Sunday, we went to the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, for lunch. The university, with its beautiful atmosphere and almost military-like efficiency, was out of this world.

It could have been in any good Western university: even better. It was a heart-warming visit.

On our way back to Rawalpindi, we were advised to take Ring Road. I didn’t know about it. It was like travelling on the Motorway, almost up to the end. The last km or two we had to negotiate through the daredevil motorcyclists of Lahore, which I managed, albeit with some good bit of sweat.

As we left Ring Road to join the Motorway again, we saw a pleasant curving road surrounding a beautifully laid-out and maintained garden with well-trimmed grass and healthy plants and flowers. It was a very nice send-off view of Lahore. The government needs to be commended for good work.

Ayaz Ahmad

Rawalpindi