Dear Rumi

Sabahat Quadri

Karachi

1,400 Kilometres to Karachi

What did I think I was doing? What made me think I could make this trip by myself, a woman, in Pakistan, driving across the country on my own? Mom died in January last year, suddenly and unexpectedly. After her death, I packed up the house and flew from Karachi back to Islamabad, where I […]

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All Foods Lead to Karachi

The last time my sister came to Pakistan was 5 years ago. In five years, she’s missed the passing of several close relatives, two weddings and a newborn baby (18 days old). From among her friends, she’s missed three new births and another two weddings. She was more than excited at the thought of finally […]

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Grateful For Your Service

Image courtesy of Ertaza, Creative Commons. This is the Ispahani Hangar targeted by the terrorists. My husband had an eight o’clock flight this morning that has understandably been delayed. The attack on Jinnah Airport has been horrific. We spent most of the night watching the attack unfold on TV and following feeds on Twitter that was […]

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The Karachi I Know

Driving back from North Nazimabad to Defence at one in the morning is a quick, clear drive—the roads are practically empty, especially in the residential areas. It takes less than half an hour to cross the city at that time of the morning. North Nazimabad has wide, 60-foot roads. Once an elegant, affluential residential area, […]

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