Some thoughts on my mind...

Why is Urdu the only language that uses the same word for 'yesterday' and 'tomorrow'- 'Kal'? Is there a deeper, philosophical rational behind this or is it purely coincidental? While reflecting, I thought that maybe Pakistanis worry less about the past and the future but focus more on the present. But I soon realized that this reasoning is ignorant, simplistic and completely flaud. And so I continue with my search.....

Why is it that every time in Karachi I complement someone, they think I am "makhan mareing"-which means to 'butter someone up.' The assumption is that someone butters someone up only when they need something. I asked someone this and they informed me that people in Pakistan do not easily complement people-it is not part of the culture. I firmly believe in recognizing and appreciating work well done. It serves to motivate, encourage and inspire others. And if you are looking at this from a business point of view, then it leads to productive employees. A friend mentioned that she has noticed the same while being here and was recently shocked when a fellow colleague complemented her work.

I wonder why people here hate it when I say "thank you" and "please"? Is it part of the culture? I have noticed that people are much less formal here. Which is different for me because I always try to be as polite as I can be. This is appreciated in any western or European country but not here. I guess they see no reason to be so formal when you are amongst family and your own people. I mean, we are not this formal with our close family members so why be so formal with those that consider you as their own? This type of informalness is referred to as "bhai-chagh"-which means brotherhood. So how do you explain the fact that I always hold doors for people but hardly anyone holds the door for me? Well, again I was told that people are not used to this opening door business. One cannot and shouldn't even dare to make the judgement that people here are not civilized or respectful because that is completely flaud (I have heard these comments here before). What it means to be civilized here does not mean the same in another part of the world. And I have seen some pretty civilized and respectful folks here. Culturally appropriate behaviour is defined by that culture alone-not by an outside influence.

I was recently informed that The Economist ranked Karachi fourth least livable city amongst the 132 cities surveyed and Business Week ranked it 175 out of 215 in livability in 2007, down from 170 in 2006. So why am I deeply attached to this country and do not want to leave?! Is it because of my birth attachment or am I attached to the people and the culture? What is it about Karachi that I love while others consider it the least livable?

How do people here stay awake so late yet still have the strength to wake up early and concentrate on their daily activities? I need to sleep early and wake up early in order to function properly during the day. This could be because I am used to this and it has been my habit. However, since being here in Karachi, this habit is slowly changing...Even at 2-3am in the morning, one can see local karachities just chilling over a cup of chai at a local chai shop or on top of their cars. These same people wake up as early as 6am to start their day's work. How do they do this?! Karachi is a city that never sleeps-no matter what time of the night (or morning) you go out, you will always run into traffic jams and crowds of people on the streets. I guess when you need to make a buck, you will do whatever it takes while not giving up your leisure time.


“Wondering's healthy. Broadens the mind. Opens you up to all sorts of stray thoughts and possibilities.” - Charles de Lint quotes.

“Wonder is the foundation of all philosophy, inquiry the progress, ignorance the end” - Michel de Montaigne quotes

Keep on wondering....