Shine

The good news: I have my bike back.

The bad news: the pedals have been changed and the lock is gone.

Other good news, bicycle gadgets were added: an old lady's sleeve around the saddle and disco lights with matching sounds on the handle bars.



A crazy 24 hours has come to an end. The Black Diamond is returned to its rightful owner. The needle appeared to be too shiny.
How did it all happen? Mix the Hyderabad police department with a healthy dose of media attention, a hint of political pressure, and a substantial amount of Pakistani national pride, and there's a good chance you recover any item in this sprawling city with 2 million inhabitants.


(Pictures: one of last night's interviews; this reporter was of the Express.)

After filing the report of the stolen bicycle, I asked the police officers if there was any chance of getting the bicycle back. "Inch'Allah" was the answer. The normally so faithful Phillipe must have thought that that just wasn't good enough. "Let's call the media" he said decisively. The first interview on regional television set things going. Yesterday we had 4 times television and 3 newspapers.
Last night, the Inspector General of Sindh, the chief of police in Karachi, saw the item on the news. Rumour has it that he had contact with the Sindh Minister for Interior Affairs. National pride was at stake. Then he called with the commanding police officer for Hyderabad and told him: "In 24 hours I want that bike recovered." About 8 policemen (with whom I all met at the press conference today) had a nuit blanche. Around noon they had it.


(The picture we used to get the idea across.)

Today we had a reportage for 24Hour Express at the school, a press conference at the DPO's residence, an extended interview with GEO, the most popular private network of Pakistan, and numerous 'all is well that ends well' interviews.


(Picture: and another one..)

If I understood it correctly, the bicycle was stolen by a junkie who then sold it to a guy for 7200 rupees. About 60 euro's. I find it hard to believe, as the cycle could only be taken from the hospital premises in a van (a junkie with a bicycle on his shoulder tends to stick out). My guess is that someone with ill intentions spotted my routine of coming to the hospital in the morning, and planned the theft.


(Picture: azrak (rug) and topi (hat), gifted by the DPO)

Which brings me to routines. The DPO gave me an advice. "You've been exposed so don't develop any routines, as that makes you vulnerable." Point taken.


(Pictures: take 1 Shazia, and Shahana about the school project.)


(Picture: after-interview)

OST: Welcome home!

I'd like to thank Shahana for effortless telephone operation and media training, and Phillipe for orchestrating and portraying the whole process. Boht atsha!