Seventy Days in Karachi
Sameena Iqbal March 31, 2005
#31 Posted by martini on July 7, 2006 2:06:45 pm
Re: # 23
This bantering about Karachi tempts me to banter a lil further ... not about Karachi though...but about New York! Summers are hellish in that city and after spending one excruciating June there three years back, I swore never to leave my beloved Bay area to visit any city in the East coast during summer! Come to think of it, it is kind of strange that this FOB being from New York had a hard time dealing with the humidity of Karachi. Moreover, being from Karachi too, I always thought that humidity was caused by the many beaches surrounding that landscape... but..i guess i was wrong! Maybe I should have looked for a more substantial ``polluted connection`` to humidity. So much for glorifying Karachi in a class full of whites with the help of pollution, close proximity to equator et al. At least those persuasive relatives were not Karachi`s fault ... or so I believe. Quite interesting this piece!
This bantering about Karachi tempts me to banter a lil further ... not about Karachi though...but about New York! Summers are hellish in that city and after spending one excruciating June there three years back, I swore never to leave my beloved Bay area to visit any city in the East coast during summer! Come to think of it, it is kind of strange that this FOB being from New York had a hard time dealing with the humidity of Karachi. Moreover, being from Karachi too, I always thought that humidity was caused by the many beaches surrounding that landscape... but..i guess i was wrong! Maybe I should have looked for a more substantial ``polluted connection`` to humidity. So much for glorifying Karachi in a class full of whites with the help of pollution, close proximity to equator et al. At least those persuasive relatives were not Karachi`s fault ... or so I believe. Quite interesting this piece!
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#30 Posted by kardesh on April 5, 2005 9:05:07 am
{``sure I took five showers a day ``}
Are you bragging or just sharing a personal problem with all of us?
Are you bragging or just sharing a personal problem with all of us?
#29 Posted by prospero on April 5, 2005 6:34:24 am
``No relatives, to try and persuade me to think or act in a certain way.``
Now that just ruined a perfectly pleasant piece. You girls have repeated yourselves into cliched oblivion - the so called strong paki girl railing against oppressive relatives because she has a mind of her own and will use it, dammit! Enough with your whiny articles!
Now that just ruined a perfectly pleasant piece. You girls have repeated yourselves into cliched oblivion - the so called strong paki girl railing against oppressive relatives because she has a mind of her own and will use it, dammit! Enough with your whiny articles!
#28 Posted by kardesh on April 3, 2005 12:16:31 pm
Re: # 27 {``Keeping Shahid Afridi and Rahul Dravid aside - what is with you and Dunkin Donuts?!``}
Fizzza,
Obviously you have not been enjoying the Pakistan Travelogue by our own Stuka (Parag Vohra). Manto took Stuka to Dunking Donuts - that great landmark of which elite, modern, prgressive, and well-healed Lahoris are so proud that it is the first site that a visiting Indian sees. This experience leaves the Indian tourist in a sufficiently-awed and rather condescending position right from the start.
Fizzza,
Obviously you have not been enjoying the Pakistan Travelogue by our own Stuka (Parag Vohra). Manto took Stuka to Dunking Donuts - that great landmark of which elite, modern, prgressive, and well-healed Lahoris are so proud that it is the first site that a visiting Indian sees. This experience leaves the Indian tourist in a sufficiently-awed and rather condescending position right from the start.
#27 Posted by Fizza on April 3, 2005 3:25:36 am
Re: # 25
Keeping Shahid Afridi and Rahul Dravid aside - what is with you and Dunkin Donuts?! :P
Keeping Shahid Afridi and Rahul Dravid aside - what is with you and Dunkin Donuts?! :P
#26 Posted by twintopaz on April 3, 2005 12:12:44 am
Sameena...i have to disagree with you..the refreshing sea breeze in the evening is a trade mark for karachi. How hot it would be in day time...karachi always cool downs in night.
lines are not very fluid..but keep writing
lines are not very fluid..but keep writing
#25 Posted by kardesh on April 2, 2005 2:44:07 pm
labyrinth1 #24, #24, and #24, {``Karachi is a liberal city secular in every respect where Sunis , Shia`s , Islamalis , Parsis , Hindus living togather - Karachi is a shelter for women and lovers who run away from different parts of Pakistan so they could live and vanish from there feudral society. Karachi is a home of middle class unlike feudal class which rules every aspect of society in Urban and Rural of Pakistan.``}
You have put it so clearly and emphatically three times in a row. Indeed, Karachi is a breath of fresh air as compared to the tradition-bound, bias-ridden, and archaic areas to the north. It used to be even better. Unfortunately, every type of filth infesting Pakistan has to use Karachi as a laboratory as a proving ground for its nefarious ways. I agree with you. Of all the filth religious extremism, from the Sunni right-wing Wahabbi elements is the most insidious.
catfischeblues #21, {``Dunkin Donut very much exists in Karachi, but since when did American fast food dictate a cities reputation? ``}
Your confident statement attesting to existing of Dunkin Donut in Karachi is a reassuring testament to the virility of Karachi. I didn`t invent the modernity standard of using American fast food outlets as a measurement of a city`s reputation. Apparently, our well-heeled, modernist, and ``quick to please the Indian visitor`` hosts have made it a point to highlight Lahore`s Dunkin Donut as a showcase. I am so relieved that Karachi is keeping pace. Can we at least turn Gulistan-e-Jauhar into a Hira Mandi? :)
Fizza #18, {``Measuring a city`s development by doughnuts, coffee and Hira Mandi? You`re either 12 years old, or a wannabe obese American cop.
.
.
.
P.S. Karachi has three branches of DD as far as I recollect from the last time I was there. And no, you don`t need an invitation to go there anymore.
Fizza,
Don`t get so angry over India beating Pakistan in ODIs. Cricket has a way of evening out in the end. The defeat of Pakistan by India in ODI 1 at Cochin was decisive, humiliating, and convincing. I paid for this game and was so ashamed that I couldn`t even demand a refund for leaving after Shahid Afridi made his desperate out. I thnk India was dismayed at not having bowled the 50 overs - they were enjoying prolonging the humiliation, but a merciful God came to the rescue and brought down the curtain.
Thank you for confirming that Karach has not one, but at least three Dunking Donuts. Eat your heart out Lahoris, you will always remain far behind Karachi, the once proud capital of Pakistan and the hub of its economic and intelligent life. Having lost all my invitations in Pakistan`s efficient postal system, I am glad that DDs don`t require invitations anymore.
AmFOD,
Having written the article somewhat after the Lahore Travelogue by Mr. Vohra, I suggest that you should have put Karachi on the world map by mentioning several paragraphs about the flourishing Dunkin Donuts. Is anyone of these DDs visible on the Shahrahe Faisal (old Drigh Road) as one approaches the city from the Airport?
You have put it so clearly and emphatically three times in a row. Indeed, Karachi is a breath of fresh air as compared to the tradition-bound, bias-ridden, and archaic areas to the north. It used to be even better. Unfortunately, every type of filth infesting Pakistan has to use Karachi as a laboratory as a proving ground for its nefarious ways. I agree with you. Of all the filth religious extremism, from the Sunni right-wing Wahabbi elements is the most insidious.
catfischeblues #21, {``Dunkin Donut very much exists in Karachi, but since when did American fast food dictate a cities reputation? ``}
Your confident statement attesting to existing of Dunkin Donut in Karachi is a reassuring testament to the virility of Karachi. I didn`t invent the modernity standard of using American fast food outlets as a measurement of a city`s reputation. Apparently, our well-heeled, modernist, and ``quick to please the Indian visitor`` hosts have made it a point to highlight Lahore`s Dunkin Donut as a showcase. I am so relieved that Karachi is keeping pace. Can we at least turn Gulistan-e-Jauhar into a Hira Mandi? :)
Fizza #18, {``Measuring a city`s development by doughnuts, coffee and Hira Mandi? You`re either 12 years old, or a wannabe obese American cop.
.
.
.
P.S. Karachi has three branches of DD as far as I recollect from the last time I was there. And no, you don`t need an invitation to go there anymore.
Fizza,
Don`t get so angry over India beating Pakistan in ODIs. Cricket has a way of evening out in the end. The defeat of Pakistan by India in ODI 1 at Cochin was decisive, humiliating, and convincing. I paid for this game and was so ashamed that I couldn`t even demand a refund for leaving after Shahid Afridi made his desperate out. I thnk India was dismayed at not having bowled the 50 overs - they were enjoying prolonging the humiliation, but a merciful God came to the rescue and brought down the curtain.
Thank you for confirming that Karach has not one, but at least three Dunking Donuts. Eat your heart out Lahoris, you will always remain far behind Karachi, the once proud capital of Pakistan and the hub of its economic and intelligent life. Having lost all my invitations in Pakistan`s efficient postal system, I am glad that DDs don`t require invitations anymore.
AmFOD,
Having written the article somewhat after the Lahore Travelogue by Mr. Vohra, I suggest that you should have put Karachi on the world map by mentioning several paragraphs about the flourishing Dunkin Donuts. Is anyone of these DDs visible on the Shahrahe Faisal (old Drigh Road) as one approaches the city from the Airport?
#24 Posted by labyrinth1 on April 2, 2005 1:28:27 pm
Karachi is a city where my great grand father is buried , Karachi to me is not just a city but its my home . Karachi is bleeding today thanks to Feds, Punjab and Co. , Islamists ( specially Jamat-e-Islami ) and yes I have to admit party because of MQM as well . Karachi is a play ground for jamat-e-islami and religious alliance as well whatever they do , they start with Karachi it is also a home of Afghans Refuges whom I somehow started to hate ( yes , I am racist ) . Karachi is a liberal city secular in every respect where Sunis , Shia`s , Islamalis , Parsis , Hindus living togather - Karachi is a shelter for women and lovers who run away from different parts of Pakistan so they could live and vanish from there feudral society. Karachi is a home of middle class unlike feudral class which rules every aspect of society in Urban and Rural of Pakistan.
Gulistan-e-Jauhar : area surrounded by flats and more flats - unplanned mostly where lower middle class families shifted in persuit of a better life .... but ended up losing everything they had before , no water , no telephones no electricity connections and crime and more crime + prostitutions specially by Tajiks and Afghans .
Gulshan-e-Iqbal : area which starts from Hassan Square - divinded into blocks before a peaceful area now : a hell , thanks to road works , water connections , high crime rate - over commercialization and there Jamati Nazim : Mr. Wahab ( remember the case when he Nazim Sahib , raided Nomi ( models ) house ? )
Defence : Used to be a posh area , home of Richies Rich - now a so- called posh area where every plot is up for sale - a place with no water thanks to Water Tankers Mafia and Rangers - Wanabe`s Place--
P.E.C.H.S : information not avalible - but a relatively better area they started something with CPLC Neighbourhood Watch Programme and the areas crime rate has gone down from that point ..
Super Highway and Maymar : Place to Invest - obviously the prices are at all time high one reason is the shifting of Sazi Mandi there and another reason is Maymar Housing ..etc.. like societies mashrooming there - do try Makka Medina Karhai Goosht there..
Nazimabad and N. Nazimabad : all the good people there shifted abroad or lives in Gulshan or Defence now - rest are trying to do what others did -
overall I think the gap between middle class and poor of Karachi is incresing , Immigration is a huge problem specially those Afghan`s should be kicked out !!!
Gulistan-e-Jauhar : area surrounded by flats and more flats - unplanned mostly where lower middle class families shifted in persuit of a better life .... but ended up losing everything they had before , no water , no telephones no electricity connections and crime and more crime + prostitutions specially by Tajiks and Afghans .
Gulshan-e-Iqbal : area which starts from Hassan Square - divinded into blocks before a peaceful area now : a hell , thanks to road works , water connections , high crime rate - over commercialization and there Jamati Nazim : Mr. Wahab ( remember the case when he Nazim Sahib , raided Nomi ( models ) house ? )
Defence : Used to be a posh area , home of Richies Rich - now a so- called posh area where every plot is up for sale - a place with no water thanks to Water Tankers Mafia and Rangers - Wanabe`s Place--
P.E.C.H.S : information not avalible - but a relatively better area they started something with CPLC Neighbourhood Watch Programme and the areas crime rate has gone down from that point ..
Super Highway and Maymar : Place to Invest - obviously the prices are at all time high one reason is the shifting of Sazi Mandi there and another reason is Maymar Housing ..etc.. like societies mashrooming there - do try Makka Medina Karhai Goosht there..
Nazimabad and N. Nazimabad : all the good people there shifted abroad or lives in Gulshan or Defence now - rest are trying to do what others did -
overall I think the gap between middle class and poor of Karachi is incresing , Immigration is a huge problem specially those Afghan`s should be kicked out !!!
#24 Posted by labyrinth1 on April 2, 2005 1:28:26 pm
Karachi is a city where my great grand father is buried , Karachi to me is not just a city but its my home . Karachi is bleeding today thanks to Feds, Punjab and Co. , Islamists ( specially Jamat-e-Islami ) and yes I have to admit party because of MQM as well . Karachi is a play ground for jamat-e-islami and religious alliance as well whatever they do , they start with Karachi it is also a home of Afghans Refuges whom I somehow started to hate ( yes , I am racist ) . Karachi is a liberal city secular in every respect where Sunis , Shia`s , Islamalis , Parsis , Hindus living togather - Karachi is a shelter for women and lovers who run away from different parts of Pakistan so they could live and vanish from there feudral society. Karachi is a home of middle class unlike feudral class which rules every aspect of society in Urban and Rural of Pakistan.
Gulistan-e-Jauhar : area surrounded by flats and more flats - unplanned mostly where lower middle class families shifted in persuit of a better life .... but ended up losing everything they had before , no water , no telephones no electricity connections and crime and more crime + prostitutions specially by Tajiks and Afghans .
Gulshan-e-Iqbal : area which starts from Hassan Square - divinded into blocks before a peaceful area now : a hell , thanks to road works , water connections , high crime rate - over commercialization and there Jamati Nazim : Mr. Wahab ( remember the case when he Nazim Sahib , raided Nomi ( models ) house ? )
Defence : Used to be a posh area , home of Richies Rich - now a so- called posh area where every plot is up for sale - a place with no water thanks to Water Tankers Mafia and Rangers - Wanabe`s Place--
P.E.C.H.S : information not avalible - but a relatively better area they started something with CPLC Neighbourhood Watch Programme and the areas crime rate has gone down from that point ..
Super Highway and Maymar : Place to Invest - obviously the prices are at all time high one reason is the shifting of Sazi Mandi there and another reason is Maymar Housing ..etc.. like societies mashrooming there - do try Makka Medina Karhai Goosht there..
Nazimabad and N. Nazimabad : all the good people there shifted abroad or lives in Gulshan or Defence now - rest are trying to do what others did -
overall I think the gap between middle class and poor of Karachi is incresing , Immigration is a huge problem specially those Afghan`s should be kicked out !!!
Gulistan-e-Jauhar : area surrounded by flats and more flats - unplanned mostly where lower middle class families shifted in persuit of a better life .... but ended up losing everything they had before , no water , no telephones no electricity connections and crime and more crime + prostitutions specially by Tajiks and Afghans .
Gulshan-e-Iqbal : area which starts from Hassan Square - divinded into blocks before a peaceful area now : a hell , thanks to road works , water connections , high crime rate - over commercialization and there Jamati Nazim : Mr. Wahab ( remember the case when he Nazim Sahib , raided Nomi ( models ) house ? )
Defence : Used to be a posh area , home of Richies Rich - now a so- called posh area where every plot is up for sale - a place with no water thanks to Water Tankers Mafia and Rangers - Wanabe`s Place--
P.E.C.H.S : information not avalible - but a relatively better area they started something with CPLC Neighbourhood Watch Programme and the areas crime rate has gone down from that point ..
Super Highway and Maymar : Place to Invest - obviously the prices are at all time high one reason is the shifting of Sazi Mandi there and another reason is Maymar Housing ..etc.. like societies mashrooming there - do try Makka Medina Karhai Goosht there..
Nazimabad and N. Nazimabad : all the good people there shifted abroad or lives in Gulshan or Defence now - rest are trying to do what others did -
overall I think the gap between middle class and poor of Karachi is incresing , Immigration is a huge problem specially those Afghan`s should be kicked out !!!
#24 Posted by labyrinth1 on April 2, 2005 1:28:28 pm
Karachi is a city where my great grand father is buried , Karachi to me is not just a city but its my home . Karachi is bleeding today thanks to Feds, Punjab and Co. , Islamists ( specially Jamat-e-Islami ) and yes I have to admit party because of MQM as well . Karachi is a play ground for jamat-e-islami and religious alliance as well whatever they do , they start with Karachi it is also a home of Afghans Refuges whom I somehow started to hate ( yes , I am racist ) . Karachi is a liberal city secular in every respect where Sunis , Shia`s , Islamalis , Parsis , Hindus living togather - Karachi is a shelter for women and lovers who run away from different parts of Pakistan so they could live and vanish from there feudral society. Karachi is a home of middle class unlike feudral class which rules every aspect of society in Urban and Rural of Pakistan.
Gulistan-e-Jauhar : area surrounded by flats and more flats - unplanned mostly where lower middle class families shifted in persuit of a better life .... but ended up losing everything they had before , no water , no telephones no electricity connections and crime and more crime + prostitutions specially by Tajiks and Afghans .
Gulshan-e-Iqbal : area which starts from Hassan Square - divinded into blocks before a peaceful area now : a hell , thanks to road works , water connections , high crime rate - over commercialization and there Jamati Nazim : Mr. Wahab ( remember the case when he Nazim Sahib , raided Nomi ( models ) house ? )
Defence : Used to be a posh area , home of Richies Rich - now a so- called posh area where every plot is up for sale - a place with no water thanks to Water Tankers Mafia and Rangers - Wanabe`s Place--
P.E.C.H.S : information not avalible - but a relatively better area they started something with CPLC Neighbourhood Watch Programme and the areas crime rate has gone down from that point ..
Super Highway and Maymar : Place to Invest - obviously the prices are at all time high one reason is the shifting of Sazi Mandi there and another reason is Maymar Housing ..etc.. like societies mashrooming there - do try Makka Medina Karhai Goosht there..
Nazimabad and N. Nazimabad : all the good people there shifted abroad or lives in Gulshan or Defence now - rest are trying to do what others did -
overall I think the gap between middle class and poor of Karachi is incresing , Immigration is a huge problem specially those Afghan`s should be kicked out !!!
Gulistan-e-Jauhar : area surrounded by flats and more flats - unplanned mostly where lower middle class families shifted in persuit of a better life .... but ended up losing everything they had before , no water , no telephones no electricity connections and crime and more crime + prostitutions specially by Tajiks and Afghans .
Gulshan-e-Iqbal : area which starts from Hassan Square - divinded into blocks before a peaceful area now : a hell , thanks to road works , water connections , high crime rate - over commercialization and there Jamati Nazim : Mr. Wahab ( remember the case when he Nazim Sahib , raided Nomi ( models ) house ? )
Defence : Used to be a posh area , home of Richies Rich - now a so- called posh area where every plot is up for sale - a place with no water thanks to Water Tankers Mafia and Rangers - Wanabe`s Place--
P.E.C.H.S : information not avalible - but a relatively better area they started something with CPLC Neighbourhood Watch Programme and the areas crime rate has gone down from that point ..
Super Highway and Maymar : Place to Invest - obviously the prices are at all time high one reason is the shifting of Sazi Mandi there and another reason is Maymar Housing ..etc.. like societies mashrooming there - do try Makka Medina Karhai Goosht there..
Nazimabad and N. Nazimabad : all the good people there shifted abroad or lives in Gulshan or Defence now - rest are trying to do what others did -
overall I think the gap between middle class and poor of Karachi is incresing , Immigration is a huge problem specially those Afghan`s should be kicked out !!!
#23 Posted by AmericanFOB on April 2, 2005 7:31:04 am
Karachi is a great city. My sole reason for thinking that is because that`s where a lot of my family is. Other than that, the extreme heat and humidity present in the summertime really suffocated the experience a bit. Unfortunately, like a mentioned in the article I spent all of my time in Karachi in indulging in restaurants, weddings, and shopping like the world was about to end. The only time when I did go to some place that could be considered a bit more educational was when I went to the Northern Areas. Which are better than any Pakistani city!
#22 Posted by amrita on April 2, 2005 6:24:27 am
fobby - as someone who`s never been to Karachi, I liked this! more than that, i liked the feeling of nostalgia and loss that ran under it.
But yeah, I think a little editing would have been in order, keeping the audience in mind. Still, hope to read more of you...
But yeah, I think a little editing would have been in order, keeping the audience in mind. Still, hope to read more of you...
#21 Posted by catfischblues on April 2, 2005 4:06:45 am
Dunkin Donut very much exists in Karachi, but since when did American fast food dictate a cities reputation? The reason why Karachi is a city is because its one of the largest cities in Asia; Seoul (10.2 million), Bombay (9.9 million), Jakarta (9.4 million), Karachi (9.3 million).
**rolls her eyes**
peace.
**rolls her eyes**
peace.
#20 Posted by aquaris on April 2, 2005 3:54:28 am
And I thought.....
Karachi in the evening and at night is much cooler.....Strong breeze .....
and all.....
#18 Posted by Fizza on April 2, 2005 1:19:26 am
Re: # 15
Measuring a city`s development by doughnuts, coffee and Hira Mandi? You`re either 12 years old, or a wannabe obese American cop.
Don`t touch chaai. It`s a trademark and if that gets replaced by coffee, the moon and the star on our flag would fall apart. If Indians can`t handle that, they can go weep about it to Saurav Ganguly.
Sorry. No offense meant. Pakistan VS India LIVE on TV. Pakistan`s score is 84/4. Fizza`s mood is immersed in anger.
P.S. Karachi has three branches of DD as far as I recollect from the last time I was there. And no, you don`t need an invitation to go there anymore.
Measuring a city`s development by doughnuts, coffee and Hira Mandi? You`re either 12 years old, or a wannabe obese American cop.
Don`t touch chaai. It`s a trademark and if that gets replaced by coffee, the moon and the star on our flag would fall apart. If Indians can`t handle that, they can go weep about it to Saurav Ganguly.
Sorry. No offense meant. Pakistan VS India LIVE on TV. Pakistan`s score is 84/4. Fizza`s mood is immersed in anger.
P.S. Karachi has three branches of DD as far as I recollect from the last time I was there. And no, you don`t need an invitation to go there anymore.
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