Unbelievable must be believed

History books only tell us that our past caliphs who were stronger rulers than the present ones would receive anyone at anytime but regretfully this notion is not even thinkable in the present world. But hold on, let me quote my own personal experience of today morning in Kuwait which does not prefix or suffix Islam with its name but yet it did happen which is not even thinkable in my own beloved country Pakistan which is officially named none but as Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Yesterday, Tuesday 8^th February, 2912 local newspapers very prominently flashed news with photograph of H. H. Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al Hamad Al Sabah, former Prime Minister saying that he is giving an open invitation to all to meet him in person at his Diwan (meeting place) on Wednesday 8^th during 0830-1000 hours. He had been 5th Prime Minister who reigned from January 2006 till December 2011. I was a bit shaky whether to take a chance or not but ever since I am here since 1978 so I was quite at ease to drive towards the place to meet the local VVIP who is one the most respected seniors in ruling Al Sabah family in any case. It was a bit cloudy morning and I could see some police cars near to the palace which indicated that Diwan is at stone throw away distance. Vehicular traffic was normal on both side of the road except that police will not allow general public to park near the palace and instead directed to park on the opposite side which had huge public parking likely to accommodate around 1000 cars if not more. I parked in the allotted arena and came to the road to walk to the palace. I found police which stopped the traffic and facilitated visitors like me to cross the road to enter Diawan where the visitors were greeted by both police and civilians directing us to proceed to the main entrance. No metal gate to pass through and no personal search either. None even asked me and others to prove our identity and or the reason as to why did we come here.

Smiling faces had lined up greeting all the visitors till one reaches right at the entrance of the main hall where H. H. was available. Very courteous gentleman greeted and escorted me right up to the VVIP. My goodness, the hall which must had 200 chairs as I wildly guess was almost full to its capacity. A few were standing as well. I could see all type of people one can think of-Kuwaitis and expatriates like me; members of the ruling family and other elite of the city; older to me as well as younger to me. There were two men on wheel chair as well while I could also find 5 ladies sitting in the hall.  My turn came. H. H. was sitting and stood up to greet me and asked about my welfare. I thanked him for his concern and in reciprocation; I wished him long health and shook hand. I wished that I be photographed with him and though I was a bit shaky asking for it but it was his true greatness to agree to my request. The photographer took our photo and then H. H. asked me to sit and taste sweets; cookies and tea/coffee before leaving the place.

I took a seat at some distance since I wanted to ask the photographer as to how to get my photo and he told me that he will give all photos to Public Relations Director of H. H and he will be the one to oblige me.  While I was seated inside to find out as to where to see PRD, I noticed that one after another, people are coming and going and VVIP is meeting each of them with broad smiling face which is very typical of Kuwaitis. Hardly is he getting any gap in between to sit. One of the wheel chair occupants was brought to him and I saw VVIP bowing down a bit to honor his unknown visitor. I cannot figure out as to why he came all the way on wheel chair but the fact remains that H. H. had won the hearts of all those who watched such noble gesture of Sheikh Nasser. This was the height of it and I simply could not help praying again for long life of H. H. and Kuwait. The man sitting next to me told me that PR Director is available at the entrance of the hall and I thanked him and walked off the hall to see the official.

I met Public Relations Director and his officers at the entrance. He was very kind to ask for my email so that my photograph could be sent to me through internet. Additionally one of his officers also asked for my particulars for the same purpose. I was overwhelmed and pleased to see that some people irrespective of their age and status had given their applications and other documents for sympathetic consideration of H. H. and PR Director who collected all such papers assured the concerned persons that each one them will certainly be contacted by the concerned officials in due course of time and honestly speaking this was more than enough to satisfy all those who sought some help. The director even gave his personal mobile contact and personal email to those who asked for including me. Isn’t it very rare that an officer of such status and office gives his personal contacts whereas in practice such person does not give even official contact what to talk of personal contacts? It tips me that next time I can give my paper in case if I need some help from the former prime minister.

What does this all prove? Was it 1^st time in history of Kuwait that H. H. meets the people alike? What prompted him to get the news flashed in advance asking anyone who aspires to see him? How is he benefited when he meets masses or how does he suffer when he does not meet the commoners? Was it not a security lapse that none was checked and allowed to meet H. H. straight on? Is former prime minister trying to increase his vote bank? There can be so many more questions and each question will carry its own importance and weight but the fact remains that in Kuwait each and every question has very logical, pleasing and convincing answers. However I am neither reluctant nor scared to pronounce quite publicly and bet on my life that such like openness is not even thinkable in other countries including those who always boast of being champions of democracy and or Islam or both.

I am Pakistani living in Kuwait since 1978 and instances like above convince me still the more not to quit Kuwait come what may and this is what convinced me not to even visit my American employers in Houston way back in 1986 because I had feared that life in USA cannot be free of suffocation like this place. Why to leave Kuwait which is providing all the facilities and services to expatriates who are not only more than Kuwaitis but also living here for decades and prefer to live here as long as possible rather than going back home in the first instance. Allah blesses H. H and Kuwait, I pray from core of my heart.

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With my honest and solemn prayers