It was a typical, Monday morning as I forced myself to sip on the tasteless, instant coffee to stay awake. Suddenly, an email popped up on my screen that changed everything (dramatic, I know - but it really did). The college where I work was taking students on a trip as part of architect Zain Mustafa's... Continue Reading →
It wasn't everyday that a movie on rape is released in Pakistan. Nor was it everyday that I would go to watch a Pakistani movie, which was probably only once before in my life. Growing up in Saudi Arabia, I wasn't exposed to the Pakistani film industry as much nor was I particularly interested in... Continue Reading →
"I'm feeling kind of low and don't want to stay at home today. Do you want to check out Biennale?" My very old friend/sister from Riyadh asked. She was leaving for the US in a few days after living in Karachi for over six months. As a fellow TCK, it wasn't always easy to constantly... Continue Reading →
Today was my father's first day at his part time job in Pakistan. It felt surreal when I saw him this morning with a collar shirt, tie and his brown leather briefcase. The memories of our 25 years in Riyadh were flashing through my mind as I watched him cutting walnuts into his cereal bowl... Continue Reading →
It wasn't everyday that I would wake up early on a Saturday to meet someone who I had never met before. But that morning was different. I was new to the city and in an attempt to make friends, I had created a Whatsapp group of a few women who I had met on Facebook.... Continue Reading →
Hello world! It has been hectic since the last few weeks and I haven't been able to dedicate as much time to my blog. But I have a very reasonable and exciting explanation that I would like to share with you all. My mom has started designing modest clothing for women including loungewear! I am... Continue Reading →
"Why are there so many wires tangled from poles across this city?", my dad said in a frustrated tone. We had recently moved from Riyadh to Karachi and this was the only thing I had heard him complain about. As an electrical engineer, it was no surprise that this bothered him. It was in that... Continue Reading →
On September 26, a long-awaited milestone was achieved in Saudi Arabia. A royal decree was issued by King Salman that stated women in Saudi Arabia have been given the right to drive. The Kingdom, which received much backlash as the only country in the world that doesn’t allow women to drive, has finally been relieved... Continue Reading →
"Did you hear about Nouman Ali Khan?", my sister asked as we were chatting on Whatsapp. "No, I haven't. What's going on?", I asked her. I couldn't even begin to imagine what she was going to tell me. When she shared the news about the ongoing scandal of his "inappropriate interactions" with women, I was... Continue Reading →
Work. Eat. Gym. Sleep. These are the four components of my life - very typical and nothing out of the ordinary. Did you notice what was missing? Yes, you guessed it right - I don't have any friends. My social life is almost non-existent in Karachi. As I was sitting in my car after coming... Continue Reading →
Ajnabi Diaries 