Off to Pakistan on Monday

This one a bit of a crazy story I’d like to share. I already got the schedule for my blogging workshop in Pakistan last week and that was for Nov. 22 to 24. However, I didn’t realize that I needed to get a Visa until I got my formal invitation to Jakarta last Monday which was slated on December 4 to 6.

So, I rushed and sought help from my sponsor’s local office — itinerary, formal letter of invitation, contact persons, etc. When I got to the Pakistan Embassy (just at the back of Makati Cinema Square), I was surprised to learn that their schedule for accepting Visa applications is only from Monday to Thursday at 9AM to 12NN. Likewise, their releasing schedule is from 4PM to 5PM only. Application fees must also be deposited to their HSBC bank account and not directly to their office. It was already 2:30PM and my luck was running out.

Since there’s no direct flight from Manila to Islamabad, I have to take Thai Airways (Monday, 2PM) and stop at Bangkok, switch planes (Pakistani Air) and fly to Lahore. I will spend the night there and fly to Islamabad the following day.

So, even if I can submit my application, technically I can’t get my Visa until Monday 4:00PM. I pleaded my situation to the guy who receives the forms at the Embassy and though he was hesitant at first, I was able to convince him.

I’m going to HSBC this morning, pay the application fee and hand the deposit slip to them. They say I can get my Visa by Monday morning (11PM) just in time before I run off to the airport. *phew*

Here’s one thing he mentioned to me which was a little confusing and it goes something like “… ikaw na bahala dun sa officer namin ha?”

What does that mean? Cash? A fruit cake? Whisky? What? Anybody care to translate that for me, please?