This is why many social media users were surprised when Indian content creator Harshneet Kaur revealed that she had spent three years living in Pakistan and wanted to share her positive experiences from the neighbouring country.
In a video posted on Instagram, Kaur spoke about the warmth, hospitality, and beauty she encountered during her stay in Pakistan. “As an Indian who lived in Pakistan for three years, here are some things I love about Pakistan,” she said at the beginning of the clip.
According to Kaur, one of the most memorable aspects of her time there was the kindness of the people. She recalled how locals would warmly welcome her family wherever they went. Since her father wears a turban, many people would affectionately address him as “Sardaar ji” and insist that the family stay for tea or a meal before leaving.
Kaur and her family lived in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, which she described as one of the most beautiful places she had experienced. She particularly admired the natural scenery surrounding the city, especially the famous Margalla Hills.
“Anywhere you walked in Islamabad, you could see mountains and hills,” she explained, adding that the view remained stunning throughout the day, whether in the morning, afternoon, or evening.
She also spoke fondly about Murree, a popular hill station located about an hour and a half away from Islamabad. Kaur described the scenic viewpoints, restaurants, and kebab stalls there, saying the nighttime view of the city from the hills was especially breathtaking and remained one of her personal favourite memories.
Apart from exploring the country, Kaur also attended an international school in Islamabad. She shared that the school celebrated Pakistan’s Independence Day in a unique and festive manner by bringing in camels, cows, and other animals for students to interact with. She further praised the school’s sports infrastructure, mentioning that she was actively involved in both track and swimming teams during her time there.
Reflecting on her overall experience, Kaur said that the three years she spent in Pakistan gave her a deep appreciation for the country’s people, landscapes, and culture.
Her video quickly attracted attention online and sparked widespread discussion among social media users. Many viewers expressed surprise at hearing such a positive account from an Indian living in Pakistan, while others appreciated the message of peace and understanding between the two nations.
One user commented that while Kaur’s experience was heartwarming, discussions about the treatment of minorities in Pakistan should also be acknowledged. Another user questioned how she managed to obtain permission to live there, considering the strict visa regulations between the two countries.
At the same time, several users praised the video for promoting harmony and challenging negative stereotypes. One commenter wrote that the story highlighted the importance of looking beyond political tensions and media narratives, while another shared their own positive experiences meeting Pakistanis abroad and described them as warm, respectful, and welcoming people.
Kaur’s video ultimately became a reminder that despite decades of political conflict between India and Pakistan, personal interactions and shared human experiences often tell a more nuanced and compassionate story.
