ISLAMABAD – Caitlin Doornbos, a reporter and journalist based in the United States, visited Islamabad on Saturday for the “Islamabad Talks,” praising Pakistan for its hospitality and expressing appreciation for the country’s cuisine. During her visit, Doornbos took to X to share her experiences, offering a positive glimpse of Pakistan to a global audience.
Doornbos shared a picture of her meal at a restaurant in the F-7 Sector, captioning it, “Finally got out of the hotel sphere to have some local food!” Pakistanis were quick to respond, with one user encouraging Doornbos to acknowledge the country’s peaceful environment.
Halwa: A New Guilty Pleasure
Doornbos later posted another dish, halwa, calling it her “new guilty pleasure.” The traditional sweet dish, often served during breakfast or special occasions, clearly left an impression on the American journalist.
Breakfast and Hospitality
In another post, she shared that breakfast in Pakistan had become her favorite meal, adding that “the hospitality of Pakistanis is so warm — more welcoming than I believe I’ve ever experienced.” The comment highlights the warmth and generosity that Pakistan is known for.
‘Beautiful Islamabad’
The journalist also shared a scenic image of the city, writing, “Good morning from beautiful Islamabad, where the Pakistani people are buzzing with excitement at the possibility of playing a major role in bringing peace to the Middle East. No news yet on when talks will begin, but the coming hours will be crucial.”
Embracing Local Culture
Doornbos was also pictured wearing shalwar kameez at the Serena Hotel, as she waited for the US-Iran talks to conclude. Her embrace of local dress and cuisine reflects a willingness to engage with Pakistani culture beyond the confines of diplomatic circles.
Analysis: Soft Diplomacy in Action
Caitlin Doornbos’s positive experience in Islamabad offers a counterpoint to the often-negative portrayal of Pakistan in Western media. Her praise for the country’s hospitality, cuisine, and peaceful environment provides a glimpse of the Pakistan that Pakistanis know — a country of warm, welcoming people, rich cultural traditions, and stunning natural beauty.
The timing of her visit — during high-stakes diplomatic negotiations — also highlights the role that personal experience can play in shaping international perceptions. Journalists who cover Pakistan often do so from the outside; Doornbos had the opportunity to experience the country firsthand.
Her posts on X, shared with her followers, serve as a form of soft diplomacy, presenting Pakistan as a destination worth visiting and a culture worth experiencing. For a country that has struggled with its international image, such endorsements are valuable.
As the Islamabad Talks continue to unfold, Doornbos’s positive experience serves as a reminder that beyond the headlines and the politics, there is a country of 240 million people — and they are, as she discovered, remarkably welcoming.
