Oh what a feeling it is to step outside of Pakistan and actually feel welcome. And then, to be greeted by an even wider smile when you introduce yourself as Pakistani.

Such has been the experience in Sri Lanka so far.

And good relations are not only shared at the diplomatic level. A tuk-tuk driver or a waiter at a hotel will tell you, “Pakistan, Sri Lanka friends.” Or, “Pakistan help Sri Lanka with war here.”

Of course, you do get the raised eyebrow when you mention Pakistan, too. “You know our cricket team was attacked in Lahore” was one of the first topics discussed with our driver on the ride to the hotel from the airport. It came up in every first meeting with other locals too. I didn’t know where to hide my face in shame at first. “That happened in Lahore. We’re from Karachi,” we were quick to clarify.” But Karachi sounded alarm bells too. “Very dangerous place.”

Unsurprisingly, the Taliban came up for discussion. But there wasn’t the slightest bit of contempt on anyone’s part while mentioning any of this. In fact, it was with genuine concern that they asked. There is much sympathy for what’s happening in Pakistan right now. They have had their share of blasts and suicide bombings, and so they know full well the impact of this violence on the people of the country.

Such are allies, such are friends.