Confessions of a lawn crazy lady
If you live in one of the metropolitan cities in Pakistan, there is a high probability that you have been infected by the dreaded but highly contagious lawn virus. The virus can manifest itself in the form of an empty wallet, being mauled in a stampede by other victims or being caught out in a highly frustrating traffic jam around the lawn exhibition areas. What I witnessed at the Expo Centre in Karachi a few days back was truly a thought provoking experience. As I stood in what could only be termed as a “lawn crazy mob”, pushed and shoved from ...
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Rahat, we don’t love you that much
Organized by the Pakistan Youth Alliance in partnership with Miradore productions, ‘Rahat Fateh Ali khan plays for charity’ was an event most people (with big bucks in their pockets) were looking forward to. The security at Serena Hotel was tight. As the clock struck eight, cars started pulling in carrying the made up, designer clad women and handsome men ready to enjoy a night out. The event looked like a high class wedding more than a concert. There was a clear division between who had more money to spend and those who didn’t. Witnessing Rahat Fateh Ali Khan perform was an ...
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A coffee date with bored, rich people
So, I am vacationing in Karachi after a nightmare of a semester. A newlywed school friend called me up to ask if I’ll join in for a little coffee-table chatter at one of the dear little coffee-shops, with a bunch of dear little female acquaintances. The thought of a social detour which involves mingling with rich married girls my own age practically paralysed me. I protested, but the married friend seemed to have acquired newfound levels of determination. As I began to pity her husband, she arrived at my doorstep to bundle me in her car and whisk me off. An ...
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What is your Valentine’s Day mantra?
It’s that time of year again. We’ve said goodbye to last year with nasty indulgences and ludicrous excesses. We’ve kicked off the New Year with the detoxed ‘new year, new me’ mantra and by the end of January, we’ve broken all our New Year resolutions. Yes, it’s the time when the New Year shine has faded and the New Year blues are slowly setting in. As if things weren’t bad enough, we have one thing to pull us out of our misery (not): Valentine’s Day! It’s one of those love it or hate it issues that people have polarised views on – ...
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Cafe policy: Does sexism change after 7pm?
Ever walked into a restaurant with ‘the boys’ only to be turned away at the door? If it were any other country, this would be regarded as blatant discrimination with the media having a “field day” for weeks and the owners getting sued. But here in Pakistan this is not the case, hence many prominent restaurants implement the “family only” policy after 7pm. If this policy was really just for “family only” in all instances, it would still make sense. But this policy is just there to prevent single men or a group of single men being at the restaurant. ...
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My adventures on Shaadi dot com
Dear Diary, It is day one of my attempt to get married online, which as you may know is quite unconventional for a male to undertake on his own. However, I have decided to pursue this online adventure as I feel the need to settle down, and what the hell, I met my first girlfriend in an IRC chat room so I know there is a good chance this might work out. Shaadi.com tells me the odds are totally in my favour. The website claims to be the internet’s largest matrimonial service which has ‘touched over 20 million people’. They also ...
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Why I do not date in Pakistan
It was the first time I was visiting Karachi in my life as my family lives Ottawa. I had recently broken up with my girlfriend in Canada before coming to Pakistan, and when my cousins found out they insisted that I find a desi girl here since they are ‘sincere’ and ‘faithful.’ Despite my opposition and discomfort in ‘finding a girlfriend’ in an alien land, my cousin introduced me to a friend’s friend – Maheen*. My first interaction with this girl was through the cell phone, or text messages to be more precise. After this introduction, we didn’t talk till one fine day in ...
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