Personal Narratives
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Partition Stories , Immigrant Stories , Search for Identity , Social Justice , Tracing Roots , Its a Connected World , Student Life , Childhood Memories , Travel Stories , Dealing with Loss (Death)Recent articles from the archives
Streets of Bahadurgunj
saif ahmad Jun 28, 200962, Basu Road, Bahadurgunj, was the address of the ancestral house where I was born. Joint families, uncles, cousins living on different floors. The House was known as "Plot", elders forgot to name the house and everyone would call it "Plot".
Peace for People and People of Peace
Saeed Shiekh Jun 26, 2009This is all I ask after paying my taxes. A safe haven for my home. Smiles on my children faces. Halal, hard earned food, and electricity.
Morality Undefined
Scaliper Aziz Jun 25, 2009There is a man standing in the aisle a little up ahead from my seat. He is standing next to a woman, who shouts and tries to shelter the little girl next to her...
Nabil and Fatima
Shakuntala Rao Jun 25, 2009Approximately 9,000 Afghan refugees continue to live in Delhi today. After years of lobbying by various NGOs, Indian government is now allowing some of these families to become naturalized citizens.
Flying Home
Sarwar Sukhera Mar 24, 2009Patriotism demands that we fly by PIA, also because no one else does. The airline must be doing fantastic business since its always fully booked regardless of date or destination.
White Bride
Prashant Bhatt Mar 8, 2009They called it the ‘White Bride of the Mediterranean’ and it is still one of the most charming and peaceful places Marino knows.
Pen-Pals
Padash Feb 19, 2009I was a young, sheltered girl ready to see the world and live a crazy life of anonymity. I made my plans for college. Plans to shave my head and dye my hair electric blue.
Evil Walks the World Today
Zeejah Dec 6, 2008Pakistanis are in denial and Indians are baying for blood and pointing a finger across the border at Pakistan as the source of the murderous plan.
I Am A Pakistani
Ayesha Khan Nov 29, 2008(India, America) These are countries that I carry in my heart but do not carry their passports. I am a threat to the safety of their people. I am a threat to my friends.
What Talibanization?
Nadeem F Paracha Aug 10, 2008The moment I stepped out, my way was politely blocked by three young tableeghi jamaat recruits. "Aslaamulalaikum," said one of them in a swallowing Arabic accent. "Walaikum," said I.
Yet Another Immigrant Story
Madiha Qureshi Jul 2, 2008I arrived in the US about eight months ago, to get married in Houston and move to Maryland, where I live now. My last visit had been less than a year ago, during which I met my husband.
My Most Memorable Journey
saman abbasi Apr 25, 2008Surraiya Bi had finally reached India her place of birth after eleven years of yearning and praying.
Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On
Tahir Gul Hasan Apr 17, 2008I am late for the Glasgow-bound flight, and although I do say ‘the usual’ at the check-in counter, my favourite seat near an over-wing emergency exit is already taken.
Why not hang Surabjit Singh?
Beena Sarwar Mar 21, 2008Whether it is for illegally crossing borders, overstaying visas or terrorism, Indians and Pakistanis arrested in each other's countries have poor consular and legal access.
Bullhe Shah and His Veil of “Meem�
Mohammad Gill Feb 4, 2008One of the attributes of Allah is “Ahad,� meaning “One.� This is the spirit of monotheism. Ahmad is the name of prophet Muhammad.
Overseas Pakistanis and Right of Franchise
Abdul Majid Malik Jan 16, 2008Overseas Pakistanis were granted the right to vote only in the 2002 referendum but the current election commission does not grant the right of franchise for expatriates.
The Snow Will Melt
Tahir Gul Hasan Jan 14, 2008“So what happened to that Fokker which crashed in the mountains?� sipping coffee, she (Benazir Bhutto) took the words right out of my mouth. Did Billy and Dabbu speak through her?
Ashes in the River
Lokhi Menon Jan 8, 2008...at that stage all the differences are really wiped out.
Pakistan's Moment of Democracy?
Zeynab Ali Jan 3, 2008Even as many conceded that ‘Musharraf is not going anywhere’, a response of Pakistanis around the world who seemed beset with an intangible urge to 'do something'.
Abdul Latif Khalid (1944-2007)
Yasser Latif Hamdani Dec 24, 2007My father’s sudden demise at only 63 years of age through a massive heart attack has been by far the most profound life experience I have had to endure.


