Recalling those years now one can only note how different a country Pakistan was that time. When we arrived the country had celebrated its 42 years of independence and had just started a promising period of democracy. In five years we could observe two or three national elections and several changes of government. Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif followed each other as prime minister but the changes took place in accordance with the constitution following normal democratic procedures.

As foreigners we were always welcomed by the people. Not only in the diplomatic circles in Islamabad but every where we went. And we did travel widely all over the country: Hunza, Baluchistan, Punjab, tribal areas in the North West Province – all the way to Khyber Pass, gun factories in Darra and missionary hospital in Tank. And of course: Lahore, Karachi and Peshawar. Peshawar was our favourite town: we enjoyed strolling in its bazar and eating in local restaurants delicious lamb made in traditional Pashtun way. Formal reason to several visits to Peshawar and Quetta was to see how the Finnish humanitarian assistance was distributed by the United Nations agencies at the Afghan refugee camps.

In Islamabad one could see us every Friday at the Juma Bazar spending up to the last rupee – but “money no problem”, became like a password. “Pay back next week”.

Pakistan has a special place also in the life of our family. The youngest son Ilari finished his high school in the International School of Islamabad. When other two children visited us we spent memorable holidays. One was a four day trip floating down on the Indus river. Traditional boats had no engine, no sails and the speed was as slow as the slow current of that great river. Nothing to do but waiting for the next meal that the boat crew prepared on open fire at the bottom of the wooden boat.

Another private trip was a five day camel safari with my daughter Pauliina in the Cholistan desert sleeping in tents between sand dunes. And the camels had no armoured shields and neither had we any armed security escort.

Unfortunately, the Pakistan we used to know is no more: we all know how difficult the political situation is now. But we should not loose sight of a better future. The Pakistani people deserve better and I am confident that they can find the way to improve the life of the people, overcome the current instability and insurgency and form a secure and stable government, InshAllah.

I and my wife would like to congratulate Pakistan on its Independence Day. We wish good luck and happiness to all of you at this Eid-Milan party and all the best to the Finnish Pakistan Friendship Organization.

Let me also present to the FPFO the book “Jasmiininkukka ja Kalashnikov  - tuokokuvia Pakistanista” by my wife Eija, written in Pakistan and I had the pleasure to provide some photos to it. Maybe Dr. Mujahid can make it available to the members of the FPFO circulating it among the members.

Shukria!