A Karachi Summer Since the author has taken exception to criticism, I must revise my initial opinion which was unrealistic and harsh.Having read the piece a couple of times,it`s hidden meanings and social statements unravel in a Kafkaesque mould. I further confirm that this is one of the finest pieces ever seen on Chowk. We have a winner among us, the new Booker prize winner from Pakistan- Anum Ali.

A Karachi Summer I expected a bit more about Karachi summer from this piece, instead i found a lot about the writer, which is: the author is one of those fortunate ones who lives on the right side of the town with huge gates and even bigger generators that jump to life as and when KESC starts playing it`s sadistic games with the poorer section of the society. I am also told that the writer is a regular namazaee compared with the rest of her peers who are more into decadent western culture. She is also concerned about her servants who have to work like the akhbar wala to feed their extended family.The arrogance of the writer comes out into the open despite her attempts to hide it under cliches. She is not only a religious person but looks down on those who aren`t. I am surprised that she omitted to mention the 24/7 presence of the Security persons with guns protecting people like her from the ordinary chor-uchakkas, in the mansions, in the huge Pajeros and other 4-wheel drive motors.

Karachi summer for me is the evening breeze coming in from the sea side and cooling all Karachites- those with generators or without, living in Federal B area or Clifton. And the cool nights, late night dinner parties,hustle and bustle of Bohri Bazar, PIDC paan after a heavy dinner at Burns Road for the common man or the Maxim`s, Village or Bar-b-q tonite for the privileged lot. Swimming at Hawk`s Bay, riding on the camels and horses on the beach front. All of which would be filled with people of all social status trying to beat the heat and generally enjoying themselves.

The Culture of Research and Learning This is for information of hate brigade.

Six months on, ceasefire holds true
Josy Joseph in New Delhi | May 31, 2004 15:41 IST
Last Updated: May 31, 2004 15:42 IST
The ceasefire along the border with Pakistan is six months old and Indian intelligence agencies are taking stock of the situation.
The agencies admit that the ceasefire, which started on November 26, 2003, has proved beneficial.
``It has been a great success by any measure. The gains are immense and we are still trying to figure out how to firm up the ceasefire as a permanent measure,`` says an army general.

The ceasefire came into existence along the 740km Line of Control, the 110km Line of Actual Ground Position in Siachen and the small portion of the International Border in Jammu region after Pakistan made a unilateral offer and India reciprocated.

The Culture of Research and Learning pmishra, Ralph, ankit, mohar11, Jay, arjun_m and sadna are the vanguard of the great civilization that will one day succeed in their noble efforts to make Pakistanis behave like human beings out of fraternal love in the garb of `ahimsa permo dharma`. ZahraJ is the
only intelligent Pakistani who understands their goodwill and to some extent Uncle Tom of Chowk.