‘Colonizer to Colonized’: Pakistani Photographer Travels from London to Quetta ‘Without Flying’
QUETTA: Earlier this year, a unique adventure unfolded as Danial Shah, a Pakistani photographer and filmmaker, embarked on a remarkable journey. His mission was to traverse the historical connection between Britain—the former colonizer—and Pakistan, the land that experienced colonization, all without the convenience of flying.
The journey began in London and ended in Quetta, Shah’s birthplace. He made his way across various countries utilizing trains, ferries, buses, and taxis, incurring a total cost of $2,509.
“I chose London as my starting point because of its long history of colonization in our country and the challenging visa process that Pakistanis face,” Shah explained, highlighting the symbolism behind his journey.
Having spent his early years in Quetta, Shah was captivated by stories of foreign travelers who explored the region, frequently arriving via the historically significant Quetta-London Road. This route was once a favored passage for international tourists, highlighting the ongoing connection between cultures.
Frequent commuting along this route began after World War I and served various purposes, including pilgrimage travel to Saudi Arabia. As noted by Dr. Irfan Ahmed Baig, a local historian, this route facilitated European tourists to journey into Turkey and onward to the Middle East and Asia, with extensions into Central Asia and South Asia through Pakistan.
However, Shah’s journey wasn’t without obstacles. He faced significant scrutiny and stringent security checks, particularly due to holding a Pakistani passport, often rated among the least favorable for international travel. Amid concerns regarding human trafficking and illegal migration, he found himself singled out at numerous border crossings.
Spanning across Europe, the Balkans, and the Middle East, Shah’s trek culminated in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. His itinerary included stops in France, Italy, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey, and Iran, before finally arriving in Quetta.
Throughout his travels, Shah expressed gratitude for the warmth and hospitality he received from the people he met, remarking on how he felt particularly welcomed in Bosnia, Albania, Turkey, and Iran due to their similarities in culture to his hometown.
Looking ahead, Shah has plans to continue exploring new countries and cultures, aspiring to undertake a year-long journey to expand his horizons further. This venture highlights the enduring connections and contrasts in the history of colonization and its impact on present-day travels and cultural exchanges.
