Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – September 6, 1992

After morning prayer, bathing, packing luggage, writing diaries, having breakfast, saying goodbye to the embassy members and taking pictures with them and the Indonesian security guards who were with us these days, we left for the airport. They did not have an official farewell for the guests; They were right with so many guests and all that work. A minister sent us away.

We flew at ten o'clock. On the way, we spent seven and a quarter hours studying, negotiating and resting, the distance from Jakarta to Islamabad. We landed at Islamabad airport at half past three in the afternoon. They welcomed with splendor and warmth. There were presidents, prime ministers, ministers, members of parliament, and soldiers. It is also drizzling. The wife of Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan [President of Pakistan] also came to welcome Efat. They fired 21 balls. A strange procession was performed with even more strange sounds. People gave a great welcome. They lined up for kilometers with photos of the Imam and Rahbari and me and the Iranian flag on both sides of the street and chanted slogans. Due to security issues, our convoy passed quickly. We were in the same car with Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan.

Some of the companions were taken by another way. It was expensive for me to pass in front of all those people at speed and in the car, with such feelings, but it was not in my control. Escort quickly follows us.

The city of Islamabad is a green, wooded area with wide streets and squares. The surrounding mountains have been reforested. Eighteen years ago, when I came to this city, it was not green. We went to Ivan Sadr Palace. They accommodated me and my family members there. The companions settled in the hotel. After a little rest and prayer and walking around the palace and taking pictures with the guards, Mr. Nawaz Sharif, [Prime Minister of Pakistan] came. We had a short and friendly meeting. After Maghrib prayer, more was discussed about Afghanistan.

Then [Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan], the president came. We had a group meeting and talked about Afghanistan, [Economic Cooperation Organization =] ECO and bilateral relations. The negotiations were very friendly and agreeable. In the Great Hall, they presented me with their highest award for my services for peace and progress. They had invited the future of the airport and after giving the sign, they all passed in front of us, congratulated and shook hands.

We had dinner with all the guests in another hall. Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan and I gave a speech. The speaker of the parliament was next to me at the dinner table. He had good military and weapon knowledge; He is the son of Ayub Khan, who was once an army officer. He was very willing to give information. He gave good information about the type of weapons, ammunition, missiles and radars and said that Rutsknovi, the current vice president of Russia, who was a pilot during the Afghanistan war, was captured by Pakistan and was released after three days.