Islamabad - Week Forty-Eight

Four weeks left in Pakistan. Tension in the country ebbs and flows - usually it's okay and we're allowed to go to certain designated places within the city. Today, however, the Pakistan Supreme Court overturned Asia Bibi's earlier conviction on blasphemy charges, and security at the embassy just got tighter.  Bibi has been in prison since 2010, and was sentenced to death, so the Supreme Court's decision is a big deal. There have been protests and threats of violence.

It's jarring to work with lovely Pakistani people every day, day in and day out, and then watch news reports of mobs of Pakistanis calling for the death of a Christian woman whom some claim blasphemed the prophet. It's a hard country to understand.

The sun rising behind the Pakistan Supreme Court building earlier this month. (On the way to work.)

On the way home from work - these could be peaceful, ordinary workers ending their workday,
or part of protesting crowds dispersing. 

Islamabad - Week Forty-Seven

Out and about - five weeks (35 days!) left ....

At the Canadian Club for lunch. It wasn't a Moosehead, but it was good!

At the Islamabad Club, waiting to watch "First Man." - with colleagues.

Islamabad - Week Forty-Six

A colleague and I attended a reception held by the U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan this week. The interim replacement for David Hale, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. Paul Jones arrived in Pakistan in September and will remain until a permanent Ambassador arrives at post.

For the reception, my colleague and I, among others, escorted guests to the Ambassador's residence when they arrived, and circulated among the attendees throughout the evening, chatting and making them feel welcome. Basically, we represented the U.S. to dignitaries from Pakistan, and to ambassadors and representatives from other countries with diplomatic missions here.

Islamabad - Week Forty-Five

More images from my morning commute:

The entrance to the diplomatic enclave.

Just a couple of people riding donkeys in a capital city at 6:30 in the morning,
taken from a fully armored vehicle driving speedily toward the embassy.

Islamabad - Week Forty-Four

I love stumbling across little bits of hope in a city.

In the F-6 Markaz:

A close-up. Love is the most important thing, but education has to be a close second.