Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – September 8, 1992

Breakfast was eaten together with all the family members who were with them. We closed the bags. Mr. Gholam Ishaq and his wife came. The ladies went first and flew to Lahore earlier than us in our plane. Then we went to the airport and flew to Lahore on a Pakistani plane with an official escort. Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan informed that the president of Tajikistan has resigned and asked for our opinion about the events there.

A warm welcome was received at Lahore airport. A large crowd came to welcome in the streets and lined up on both sides of the streets. Many people gave revolutionary slogans in favor of Iran. Our photos and flags were installed in many pictures.

We made a short stop at the government guest house. Then we went to see the grave of Iqbal Lahori, the Shahi Mosque, the Shahi Castle and the Declaration of Independence Square of Pakistan. The president humbly accompanied us everywhere. It started raining heavily. It is strange that many people were left under the rain on both sides of the streets. Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan said that people like rain because of the heat.

We had lunch at the guest house with family members. After the break, I had a press interview. I met with Iranian students who are studying in Lahore, there are about 100 of them, and I promised them help. Then we negotiated and consulted about the joint press release.

The rain stopped for an hour. With the company of Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan, we went to the famous garden of Saismar for a public ceremony; Due to heavy rains, this ceremony was supposed to be canceled and was delayed. The ceremony of dancing, singing, chanting, and the speech of the mayor, and the presentation of gifts and the golden key of the city were performed. I had a thank you speech. We returned to the residence. Some of the streets on the route are very beautiful. The huge blue canal in the middle and the green street on both sides and many people in long queues are waiting for us to pass.

A group of Persian language professors and writers and intellectuals of Pakistan came. They presented their poems in Persian language and asked for help in the development of Persian language in Pakistan. They said that until seven years ago, students could choose Persian or Arabic as their second language, but since that date, according to the decree, it is no longer Persian. I raised this issue with Mr. Ghulam Ishaq Khan. He stated that he had no information and it was decided to follow up.

At night, we were guests of the Governor of Punjab. There were many leaders and personalities. Everyone praised my speech in the parliament for its improvisation and content, and gave explanations about state assemblies and governments.