Travel virtually to Multan and Lahore in Pakistan with Abid!

Also known as the city of Sufis or Saints, Multan was just a name of a city in Pakistan in my head. I first got to explore the city through the beautiful images of Abid, the photographer from Pakistan in focus here today, and was immediately hooked to it. He not only absolutely stunning pictures of his country, which is unfortunately in news for all the wrong reasons. Of course there is much much more to Pakistan and Abid brings it out to the world in the most beautiful way. However, he reveals nothing at all about him, and so it was even more interesting to interview him and learn about the man behind the camera. Though he lives in Faisalabad, he shares some of his favourite pictures from Lahore and Multan. Come fall in love with Pakistan :)

Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Multan

So, who is Abid?
"Amid is basically a very simple person. Super protective of his family and friends. He cares a lot about people he doesn't even know. He likes things to be organised. He is one of those people who don't usually open up easily but he is a good listener."

I am currently living in Faisalabad, Pakistan. I grew up in Karachi (truly one of the BEST cities in the world). After completing my schooling in Karachi I moved to Athens, Greece because at that moment I believed I needed a break from studies and I wanted to travel. I chose Athens because back in the day my dad used to have his business there. As kids we would go there every summer vacation and spend our days at the beach. After living there for three years I ended up moving to USA for college. Although my stay in USA was longer but I actually LOVED Greece for its culture, history and beauty. 

Hunza Valley

Shah Gardezi, Multan

I work from home as a Multimedia Developer for the same company I worked for in the US.  We make medical softwares/tutorials for hospitals and clinics. Fun stuff!

When I moved back to Pakistan in 2013, my parents had already shifted from Karachi to Faisalabad. Why Faisalabad out of all the places? Because my grandparents were originally from there. It's been a struggle since then. I do have family here but all my friends are in Karachi.

Experiences with Instagram...and beginning of photography...
I made my Instagram account back in 2011 but didn't really use it until 2014. I always had an interest in photography but I used to click with my iPhone only. One day I decided to buy my first dslr, thinking it will keep me busy and will help me take better pictures on my travels. I still remember the excitement!

Now the only problem was I didn't know how to use it. I once asked this guy how he clicks such beautiful pictures. He replied, "You need to have a good eye". I was like yeah sure, I do have a good eye but how do you take such awesome pictures? His response was still the same but with a little agitation this time, "Dude I told you! You just need to have a good eye!" I had no idea what he was talking about at that moment. I thought maybe he didn't quite understand what my question was. I didn't know how to operate it. Anyway. Long story short, I ended up watching YouTube videos and figured out how to use a dslr and started seeing some progress in my work. I still don't consider myself a photographer as I am still learning. 

Abbasi Masjid, Bahawalpur

What does photography mean to you Abid?
People, street life and historic architecture of Pakistan attracts my lens. I love the simplicity of ordinary faces I see on streets. I fancy old buildings and their details. The mosques, forts, palaces and dargahs which are hundreds of years old. Every place I go to, before I start clicking, I just sit around for hours and wonder how were the people like who created it? How did they do it? What was it like back then?

When I share these pictures on Instagram, I assume everyone would feel the same as I do. It's fascinating. I like to read about the places before I go there. Sometimes I do plan my shots ahead of time when its architecture. I don't plan portraits though. 

Badshahi Masjid, Lahore

Ranjit Singh Samadhi, Lahore

| My whole idea of photography is to share the beauty of Pakistan with the world |

I want people to see Pakistan as I see it, not what they see on news. I pair my pictures with profound quotes by Rumi and others. It brings that uniqueness to my instafeed.

Do tell us more about your favourite cities in Pakistan. Any secret spots for photographers?
Lahore is an amazing city with rich culture. My most favorite spot is the Badshahi Masjid. I have been to that mosque numerous times but still it feels like a new place each time I pass through main door. I find new corners and details on every visit. Multan is another favorite city of mine. Multan is also known as the 'The city of Saints.' It is one of the oldest cities in the subcontinent with plenty of shrines. Shrines of Shah Rukn-e-Alam and Shah Yousaf Gardezi are the prettiest of them all. I would absolutely recommend these two shrines to someone who is visiting for the first time.

Shah Gardezi, Multan

Shrine Muhammad Yahya, Multan

Tell us about your love life?
I am single. I have been in serious relationships but they never worked out for me. I have learned that when a relationship doesn't work out, you don't just lose your girlfriend, you lose the best friend in her also. And I don't like losing people. But I do have a major crush on Deepika! I will see her when I visit India! Inshallah! :)

And finally, 'What is your dream Abid?'
My dream is to travel and explore the world. India is on TOP of my list...Golden Temple in Amritsar, Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai, Jamia Masjid in Delhi and the beautiful palaces of Rajasthan.

Shahi Masjid, Chiniot

To connect with Abid...
Flickr
Tumblr
Snapchat: aabbid