Dil Wala

“Sh“ince I was a child, I loved driving a donkey cart. I got the feeling of flying from it. My elders were also in this profession. I have been working in this street in Sadar, Karachi for the past 25 years. I carry cement, machinery, furniture, heavy equipment, anything you name it,” Yousuf said whom … Read more

Lockdown 22 Film

12 April 2020. Lockdown: Day 22 in Karachi, Pakistan. On normal days, Empress Market is one of the busiest places in Karachi. Today, it is deserted. Despite the lockdown, some women still take the risk to come here every day with the hope to make a living by selling dry fruit. Every daily wager worker … Read more

Melon Seller

“Garma lena hai bhai? 80 rupay kilo hey! (Do you want to buy sweet melons, brother? They are 80 Rupees/kilo!)” I turn left and see Shafiq smiling at me. His cart is full of yellow ripe melons that are shining in the soft evening light. “How is lockdown going?” I ask him. “Bhai, na poocho … Read more

Uncle, Rice!

“Mama, Mama, chawal dey do! (Uncle, uncle, give me rice!)” the kid pleads through the van window. The driver shifts into the reverse gear and turns the steering. Akhuwat’s white van swerves to the right, pushing children away but they somehow latch onto the window frame. “Why don’t you give him one rice meal?” I … Read more