The Karachi Walla

I often wondered why an ordinary Karachi walla should long for colonial structures such as Empress Market. It was only when I read the prolific Intizar Hussain that I realized that people connect with these buildings because they play a great role in their lives. Slowly and gradually, they become a part of our lives, […]

The Karachi Walla has not seen a child playing skipping in Karachi out on the road. Karachi has a dearth of public spaces. The newly renovated Edulji Dinshaw Road has just provided its neighborhood an opportunity to spend time out in an aesthetically pleasing and safe public space. It was early in the morning when […]

The Karachi Walla met him on a Sunday Morning. I saw him offering crumbs to Seagulls at Sea View where he sells Papar. Later he walked down to me and asked if I wanted to buy some of his Papar. I bought a couple and asked him to offer it to Seagulls. More Seagulls flew in. […]

The Karachi Walla was at an abandoned house in Cosmopolitan Coloney behind Quaid’s mazaar. The owner had passed away and the house was up for sale. Soon it will be brought down along with the beautiful backyard. The deceased owner’s collection of books and vinyl records will be up for sale but the backyard will […]

Tribute to a friend who was shot dead few days back in Karachi. The feelings have toned down over time. From anger to despair, from despair to indifference. Such is life. We will meet another day. Inshallah. God willing.