Djinn and Tonic

Nipa Chowrangi May 8, 2008

The neighbors couldn’t hear her screaming over the sound of the building’s generator, so that particular Sunday Aslam was able to beat Tehmina for considerably longer than he usually did.

Deweaponise Your Thoughts May 28, 2007

“..Because of the perpetual — and all-too-real — fear of being hurt, or of death, or of unbearable loss, or even of “mere” humiliation, each and every one of us, the conflict’s citizens, its prisoners, trim down our own

Girls Gone Wild Apr 2, 2007

The kidnapping of civilians and policemen by the students and teachers of the madrassas associated with the Lal Masjid, as well as recent events in Tank (NWFP) is evidence of a real, escalating and dangerous movement within the ranks of the religious righ

This Really Gets My Goat Jan 22, 2007

As the outcry against the Pakistani governments plan to mine the Durand Line grows, I am reminded of the title of a Ray Bradbury novel published in 1985, Death Is A Lonely Business. Death is a lonely business. Step on an anti-personnel landmine, and it

The Clash of Stupidities Dec 3, 2006

Our mullahs use women’s legs as a platform, presenting their exposure in skirts etc as a sign of the west’s immorality. Conservative Indian commentators clip onto their sari wearing sister’s navels like infected belly button rings, casti

The Modern Bogeyman Nov 14, 2006

Suited sadomasochists, persistent forces of nature, varied forms of organic degradation…our fascinations are becoming increasingly morbid. Instead of fearing nothing but God, we fear everything but God.

The Lament of Master Yoda Oct 25, 2006

Double standards might well be the last bastion of universal brotherhood, seeing as they are practiced by all people everywhere to some degree or other.

Happy Days are Here Again Jun 6, 2006

Who hasn’t experienced rejection? I know I have. There was that guy in class six who didn’t understand the signals I was sending him (I really should have waited for him to hit puberty first). There was that editor at the biggest daily in Kara

Doctor, Can You Give Me Something for the Pain? Apr 27, 2006

If I have an accident? Aap ladies hain. I can get away with it. Reassuring it is to add this to the list of situations where my gender is actually an advantage in my homeland

The 'Ikes of March Mar 30, 2006

When it was finally our turn to be interviewed we were so drained by the wait it took us several seconds to vocalize our answers to the questions the principal posed. Our son did the smart thing and slid under the table after saying hello

Sin City Jan 18, 2006

I had a run-in with a Ninja Bastard a few weeks ago at a posh hotel where the PM was coming to attend a cardiology conference and I got the distinct feeling they are very clear on what is important and what is not. VIP good. Average person bad.

Faith No More Dec 27, 2005

What better way to start the project than shooting the traditional family Christmas lunch, when the aforementioned Catholics, Hindus, Muslims, agnostics gathered in my khala’s house in Karachi for turkey, shandys, chai, presents and gossip?

The Not-so-happy Hooker Dec 7, 2005

I have taken on family, friends, teachers, strangers, and once even a stuffed animal for sexist behavior, but my hatred of this odious man simmered beneath the surface

Revisiting Myself: a Once-potted Plant with a Dictaphone? Nov 10, 2005

Land grabbing, the American way Mar 9, 2005

The old U.S. Consulate, with its cement and barbed wire garland creating an effective stranglehold on a once busy road, has been a thorn in Karachi’s side for years now. A new one, if built at the proposed site, would go far beyond creating traffic

Holistic Education Feb 28, 2005

Because of the very silence they believe will nurture their children’s innocence, families place their children at greater risk even as they seek to protect them... In the absence of a parent child dialogue, teachers can talk to children about cult

The Second Wave Nov 22, 2004

Profiles of four outstanding filmmakers at the upcoming 4th Karafilm Festival ...

Barcodes and Bottoms Aug 19, 2004

“If you had just bought one of those three thousand rupee Chinese models you wouldn’t be having this problem at all,” he told me.

What word? Jul 30, 2004

“Hey so if we had a culture does that mean we’d have to give up the bits we’ve taken from other peoples?”

Searching for Infantopia Apr 8, 2004

Motherhood is only one aspect of the female of the species. The growing number of early childhood care and educational initiatives is one of the most obvious indications of this shift in attitude.

Know Your Enemy Feb 11, 2004

Interestingly, what I am beginning to feel more and more bothered by are the very English speaking Pakistanis I feel most similar to. Like the mullahs, they had little to do with the creation of Pakistan but now keep suggesting they are the best in

Thank you George Jan 27, 2004

In the wake of September 11, the ‘Muslim world’ has fallen headfirst into an identity crisis. While falling on one’s head is generally quite painful, the fall was buffered by the fact that the ‘Muslim world’ doesn’t rea

What Cats Dream Jan 21, 2004

Inspector Duffy-u-Din Bangash of the FIA (Feline Investigation Agency) versus Bhooki Aloo (It was her passion for crime, that made her a household name.)

Haseena and Jannat (on earth) Jun 15, 2003

even her grim demeanor cannot hide the fact that she is very attractive

Mummy Guzzlers United May 2, 2003

Motherhood has helped me steer clear of the highly contagious war virus sweeping the globe.

Let There be Light... Mar 3, 2003

So is childbirth the ending of one story and the beginning of another?

Chowk Tale Jan 24, 2003

Today is one of those days. How fortunate I am to not be a) Iraqi b) maimed c) man d) poor e) alone is quickly answered with How unfortunate am I to be a) Pakistani b) fat c) woman d) financially dependent e) lonely.