by Irshad Ahmad
A five-member base team from Spain, England, Italy, Australia, and Nepal arrived in Pakistan on the 25th and 26th of October in Karachi. After Karachi, the team was supposed to arrive at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore on the 28th, but unfortunately, they missed their flight and reached Lahore on the morning of the 29th. The team was exhausted, having spent the night at Karachi airport.
Students with Federica in the Educator School, Manga Mandi.
Their reception was organized at Government Boys High School, Manga Mandi, Lahore. Upon their arrival at the school, they were greeted by a group of ‘Drum’ performers, the School Principal, local political leaders, and other distinguished personalities. As the team entered the school, students lined both sides of the road and showered them with rose petals. The excitement was palpable, and the base team members began dancing to the rhythm of the drums. Rafael, the World March Base Team Leader, was particularly enthusiastic and joined in the dance, prompting many teachers and volunteers to join as well.
After the lively welcome, the students formed a symbol of humanism on the ground. The base team leaders and other dignitaries then gave short speeches to share the theme and purpose of the 3rd World March for Peace. Following the speeches, the team was served refreshments with tea and biscuits.
The team then headed to Flatte’s Hotel in the heart of Lahore. After resting for three hours, they set off at 4 PM to visit historical places in Lahore, but time allowed them to see only the “Shahi Hammam” and Badshahi Mosque. Dinner was provided at the famous food street of Lahore, where they enjoyed the view of the city from the hotel rooftop and took photos and selfies.
The team was then divided into two groups. One group went to a Public TV channel to share their experiences, while the other group visited the University of the Punjab. They were warmly received by professors and directors of the Institute of Education and Research, with over two hundred students in attendance. The WM base team shared their thoughts with the students, who then asked questions to the panel during the open forum.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Punjab with the WM Base team in Lahore.
Following this, the team visited the Department of Political Science at the University of the Punjab to engage with the students of Politics and International Relations. The Dean and Vice-Chancellor also participated in this discussion and thanked the base team. Afterward, the team was served refreshments.
Next, the team visited the University of Management and Sciences Lahore, where around 100 students were waiting to hear speeches and share experiences of the 3rd World March for Peace and Non-Violence. Rafael led the speeches, with Antonio translating. Federica from Italy and Decler from Australia also shared their experiences, along with Irshad Mughal. The head of Foreign Affairs thanked all the students and presented souvenirs.
The final destination was Minhaj University, where the Vice-Chancellor awaited the base team. Known for promoting religious harmony and peace among various religions in Pakistan, this university is unique. The team received a brief introduction and a short visit to its spiritual departments, which focus on Mysticism.
Lastly, the team was welcomed by youth football teams in Bahria Town, where teams from the Bahria Football Academy and Izmir played an exhibition match. The team was introduced to young players and offered shields. Dinner was provided at a hotel in Bahria Town. By 10 pm, the team was exhausted from the continuous activities and retired for the night, as their next flight was at 9 am the following morning.
Here are some photos of the warm welcome received by the World March Base Team in Lahore:
WM base team warmly welcomed at the Government Boys High School.
