Written by: Mahnoor Fatima
Posted on: October 30, 2019 | 
| 中文
A Different Agenda Traveling Through the Mountains (photo credits to A Different Agenda)
There are two things to which Moin Khan is deeply devoted: motorbikes and Pakistan. A self-confessed Lahori boy, Moin longed for his home in Pakistan as an undergraduate student in San Francisco. A Different Agenda (ADA) was born in 2010, when Moin decided to travel by motorcycle all the way from San Francisco to Lahore, intending to meet as many people and visit as many places as he could. He went through 22 countries, 40,000 km in the span of six months.
When asked about his love for motorcycles, Moin is at a loss for the right words to describe the thrill of traveling on it. On one hand, there is the grueling discipline of sitting in place for 8-10 hours in one stretch. But, there is also a meditative quality and an opportunity to be more connected to the roads. One can stop anytime, park anywhere, and interact with the locals. The slower one goes, the more one has time to take in their surroundings.
But Moin is not one to slow down anytime soon. “I’m a racer by heart. I love the speed and vulnerability that racing brings.”
ADA was born during a time of great turmoil for Pakistan, both internally and with respect to the war in Afghanistan. Much like many of the Pakistanis living abroad, Moin grew disgruntled with the rampant negative stereotypes of Pakistan and its people. He sought to change that image of Pakistan as a harsh and unwelcoming place, and to allow others to look at his beloved country with respect and affection.
Moin Khan on his journey from San Francisco to Lahore in 2011 (photo credits to A Different Agenda)
He recounted a particular journey with nine Americans in 2014 through Dir, Chitral, all the way towards the Khunjerab Pass. This was some of the darkest times for the Northen Areas, and Moin’s journey involved crossing some of the most sensitive areas in the whole region. Needless to say, except for Moin, his companions were worried about getting injured or blown up. He particularly remembered Natalie, a seasoned traveler, who was afraid for her life, until she actually made the journey.
“I watched her fall in love with this country, and she didn’t want to leave by the end of it. She started crying because she was so overwhelmed with the beauty of the place and the hospitality of the people.”
Over time, the Pakistan for which Moin began ADA, has changed. Not only are more foreigners traveling to the Northern Areas, but also domestic tourism has blossomed in the recent years. And there are still more parts of the North worth discovering and visiting. But the breathtaking views and the hospitality of the locals, never fails to overwhelm him.
Camping in Rama Meadows, Astore (photo credits to A Different Agenda)
Moin believes that the government’s recent emphasis on tourism is a much-needed policy change. However, there is still more to be done in terms of developing proper infrastructure to sustain and expand tourism in Pakistan. Here, he understands the importance of foreign tourists not just for their resources, but also their expertise, especially when it comes to sustainable and ecologically friendly methods of tourism.
ADA continues to offer authentic tourist experiences to foreigners, without unnecessary security protocols, and featuring local guides and rest houses. According to their website, they regularly schedule adventures to the North, which includes trips to basecamps, watersports facilities and yoga retreats. They make it a point to properly train and pay their guides, in order to ensure a successful trip for all involved.
Moin Khan resting with Tourists (photo credits to A Different Agenda)
The company prides itself in being a family-run company, which has relied on word-of-mouth marketing to attract tourists. Social media, in particular, has helped spread his story, and has allowed him to make friends all over the country, and the world. Since 2013, ADA has also contributed to local charity organizations, and established a school in the outskirts of Lahore.
ADA Bicycling from Khunjerab Pass to Karimabad in 2017 (photo credits to A Different Agenda)
When asked about extending ADA to the south of Pakistan, Moin admits that while it is something that he is interested in, he needs more time to organize a proper trip. He believes there is still a long way to go, in terms of allowing tourists the freedom to travel from Islamabad and Lahore to Karachi, without protocol hassles. “Either close off sensitive areas entirely or just let [tourists] go. There shouldn’t be any escort business.”
For the time being, his focus is on dirt biking in Lahore. Currently, he has been working on a motocross track for fellow motorcycle and speed enthusiasts. He makes it a point to change the obstacles on the track each week, to keep challenging the bikers who visit. “I wanted people to practice in a safe environment, and I don’t charge them anything.”
Moin’s love for the country, and his eagerness and willingness to share its beauty with the world, makes one want to take up motorcycle lessons and travel. The sincerity with which he speaks of his travels and interactions, has drawn in people and helped them to appreciate Pakistan’s boundless beauty. ADA has flourished into a popular and established adventure company, and fans eagerly watch as ADA steps into the future. You can follow Moin on Facebook and Instagram, to keep yourself up to date on his latest adventures.
ADA at the Khunjerab Pass (photo credits to A Different Agenda)
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