A group of probationary Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers today began a familiarisation trip to Pakistan.
The group crossed the India-Pakistan border here. First, they halted at 'Sarhad Restaurant' on the Wagah border.
Senior officials from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, led by First Secretary S Inbasekar, joined the group for a meal of Amritsari and Lahori cuisines, a speciality of the restaurant, says Sarhad CEO Aman Jaspal.
On suggestion of Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad Gopal Baglay who had visited Sarhad last month and was impressed not only by its Amritsari and Lahori cuisines but also the ambiance and its mission of promoting Indo-Pak peace through food, it was decided to begin the trip with a halt at the restaurant, Jaspal said.
The probationers were fascinated by pre-partition Punjab architecture and culture and the range of Amritsari and Lahori cuisines prepared at Sarhad's live kitchen, Jaspal said.
They were impressed by two Indian mini trucks painted in colourful Pakistani truck art by celebrated Pakistani truck artist Haider Ali, with the slogan "India Pakistan Friendship Zindabad" displayed prominently.
"It is probably the only place in India, and I think in Pakistan, where such a positive slogan exists," said a probationary officer.
