So I'm at home on a Monday night; having some beer and doing the usual stuff (listening to trance). Moin Khan
suddenly messages me and tells me that he's in London; his flight to Germany is in 8 hours and he asks me if there is a local mosque in central London where he can spend that time and get some rest.
Moin Khan, the name suddenly hits me and I recall that this is the same guy who left San Francisco on the 10th July 2011, with a mission to travel from San Francisco, USA to Lahore, Pakistan on a motorbike, as a way to make some good news about Pakistan, amid the suicide bombs, target killing, and in some cases droning by the US.
Yes, America to Pakistan, you read it correctly. Roughly 25,000 miles, on a motorbike, camping where possible, no guaranteed places to stay; Moin Khan was doing what few people think to do and fewer have the balls to do.
I suddenly became excited. I knew of the guy and what he was doing and why. I instantly wanted to help the guy and show my support to him and his cause.
Meanwhile, my friend Ahmed called up and told me he's coming over to see me. I asked him to pick Moin up on the
way, as Ahmed was to take that route to come anyway. Ahmed knew about Moin and his task and did not hesitate;
he was thrilled to be doing so.
The next 30 minutes were exciting. I called up my friend Yawar, and told him about what was going on asked him
to come over.
After half an hour, Moin Khan was at my place, sitting in my lounge, having pizza and drinking Coke. Me and my
brother Raza were thrilled.
What followed was a good, long, 5 hour conversation between us and Moin, who was a gem of a person and felt as
comfortable as we did while talking to him.
He told us about various incidents about his journey up to now, and the challenges he faces ahead. He admitted
that Germany onwards to Pakistan, would be harder than it has been yet. But he was up for it.
He told us about how he managed to ride a Honda CBR 600 from California to New York, and what he had to face
during that epic journey. He mentioned people and groups who had supported him, not only financially but in
every little way possible. He talked about the highs, when he was racing a hot chick in car, and the lows, when
he had to open up the bike's engine and repair it himself in the middle of nowhere.
While all this was happening, one thing kept striking me. Since a long time, I had not met anyone inspirational. In fact, I can't even remember the last person who inspired me.
For some people it's politicians, e.g. Imran Khan. For others it's 50 Cent; the London rioters. Some people get inspired by Edhi while others by Abid Boxer.
For me personally, I never had that figure of inspiration. The DJs and producers I idolise, are good enough to make me do a good job on the decks, but not good enough to make me achieve something substantial in life.
Moin's down to earthness, his passion for bikes, his calmness and wildness to be ready for anything, really inspired me.
I suddenly realised that this guy sitting in my lounge is doing something surreal. Mainly because this guy is Pakistani. How many Pakistani's have the guts to do such a long journey? That too on a bike?!
This guy was special. This guy was strong, focused, ready and willing to do something. This guy had spent 2 years on saving up for this journey.
After many questions and answers, opinions and laughs, it was time for Moin to leave for Stansted Airport, where he would board the flight to Germany to get his bike again and continue his journey. He would cover 14 more countries, see many beautiful places, meet interesting people and have the journey of a life time.
Before he left, we all wanted a picture. He reached for his bag and pulled out a Pakistan flag and posed with us.
It was certainly an honour having such an inspriring, genuine and a gem of person under my roof. I feel priveleged to have had the oppurtunity to have him over and feed him some home-made Pizza.
Moin will have left the Bremen Harbour in Germany after collecting his bike by the time he reads this.
I urge all my friends to support him at least via Facebook, by liking the page Moin Khan - ADifferentAgenda | Facebook.
Moreover if anyone think they can help Moin in any way, anywhere. Do not hesitate. Let him know about where you
are.
Who knows, may be God will give you an oppurtunity as well to cater a traveller :).
Also, I would like to thank Moin for coming over and honouring us to be a part of A Different Agenda.
Godspeed, see you soon in Lahore :).
Moin Khan - A Different Agenda
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