Samira Shackle's debut takes us on a fast paced journey through Karachi's recent past. Today, we meet Siraj, the map-maker who reflects on the human cost of ethnic conflict in the mega city of 20 million. Meanwhile, Parveen has left her neighbourhood and its gang rivalries behind her but there's soon to be a shocking revelation. Vineeta Rishi reads.

Samira Shackle tells the story of Pakistan's largest city in the company of those who live out their daily lives against the backdrop of corruption, and deadly gang violence. The first is Safdar the ambulance driver, who is compelled to help those in need. There is Parveen, a teacher and activist with a powerful sense of right wrong, and also Siraj, a map maker. By marking out the neighbourhoods where the poorest live, he gives them a tool to lay claim to their lands and access mains electricity and water. Lastly, there is Zille, a hardened crime reporter, who is driven to get every scoop that he can, and is rarely short of work in this crime ridden city until events take a frightening turn. Samira is a British journalist who writes on politics, terrorism and gender with a focus on the Indian subcontinent.

Abridged by Penny Leicester
Picture credit - Owen Kean
Produced by Elizabeth Allard Show less