City Secret – Moonwalkers were here

The astronauts and their party move in a motorcade through downtown Karachi enroute to the University of Karachi. Television and newsreel cameramen film the event from a truck leading the motor procession.

Photo and Photo Description Source: US Consulate General, Pakistan

It should not have been a secret. It should not have come as a surprise. But such is the fate of this city that events of recent past appear as those of centuries gone by. The details, description and evidence so vague that you start questioning your senses. And when you overcome your doubts, a sense of loss and anguish sink in your heart.

Thanks to US Consulate General Lahore, we are able to see the pictures and some detail of a trip to Karachi by astronauts of the United State’s last mission to the moon. The event was covered heavily by Pakistani media including TV, Radio and Newspaper. But above all it is the excitement of local public which is apparent from the coverage. Karachi University students, citizens at Airport, people at the reception and people lining up at the both sides of Elphinstone street appear excited to welcome the moonwalkers to the city of lights.

Imagine it happening in present day Karachi. Imagine NASA scientists sharing their experiences at Karachi University, explaining Microgravity using Angry birds. Imagine Nobel Prize Laureates explaining ‘the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the Universe through observations of distant supernovae’ on PTV.

Imagine. Take the first step.