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Pakistan-India 2nd MoP integration camp
Returning the favour
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n the second round of the integration camp of Scouts and Guides from India and Pakistan, each had the opportunity to know and learn from each other in many ways. The 2nd special integration camp held from 2-6 May 2012 was one of the Messengers of Peace projects in the Asia-Pacific. The first camp was held in November 2011 in India where about 300 Indian Rovers and Rangers and 55 Pakistani Rovers and leaders camped together.
PBSA Chief Commissioner Mr Justice Agha Rafiq welcomed the participants and spoke about the objectives of the camp along with its friendly activities. Participants were provided with activity books where they recorded their interests and addresses so they can continue their friendship even after the camp. Participants appointed two members from each group during
From arts, participants enjoyed the food and cultural exhibition where everyone enjoyed authentic Indian and Pakistani food. At the closing ceremony on 6th May, Chief Commissioner Rafiq and Camp Director Cdr. (Retd) Aftab Qureshi thanked all participants. Chief Justice of the Federal Shariat Court was the chief guest who assured the continuation of the integration camp and his future support.
The camp began when 73 Scouts and Guides, headed by Shree Geeta Rawat of Bharat Scouts & Guides set their foot at the Wagha border, in Lahore, Pakistan and met up with the Scouts from Punjab Boy Scouts Association after a five-hour journey by land. the Youth Forum where they discussed plans to further reinforce the tie that binds the young people of Pakistan and India, even the ones outside Scouting.
Pakistan Prime Minister H.E. Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, who was the chief guest, inaugurated the camp and was honored to host this peace initiative taken by WOSM, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden. Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari said “by fostering a common bond, Scouting becomes an important vehicle to promote peace, and unleash the creative potentials of young people.”
Mr. Zafar Iqbal (Pakistan) was elected Chairman, Mr. Kamal (India) as Vice-Chairman and Ms. Nousheen Shaikh (Pakistan) as Secretary led the Forum and recorded their final recommendations. PBSA Young Media Commissioner Mr Rizwan Jaffar covered the forum. In another integration session, a dialogue was held at the Allama Iqbal Open University where participants exchanged views with other young people outside Scouting, which was seen in different popular TV programs. A cultural show followed by visit to Pakistan National Council of the Arts, to a museum and Islamabad Model College for Girls where art students shared their paintings following the camp’s theme.
ASIA-PACIFIC SCOUTING
At midnight of 6th May, the Indian contingent left Islamabad and was welcomed at Pakistan Railway headquarters in Lahore for a oneday home hospitality. Scouts from Punjab arranged lunch at Shalamar Garden, reception at Lahore Fort and dinner at the Government College University endeding the day with a beautiful campfire. The following day, Scouts spent the day seeing different historical and religious sites. On 8th May, with tears of joy, the Pakistan Scouts and leaders said goodbye to their Scouting brothers and sisters from India as they crossed the border. Contingent Leader Ms Geeta Rawat appreciated the warm hospitality and the efforts extended to them by Pakistani friends. Rawat said, experiencing that kind of hospitality made our going home very difficult.”
JULY 2 0 12
Volume 44
No.3
7