In the backdrop of all our adventures, the political environment in Karachi is tense. Over the past few days, the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) has walked out from participating in the current government and tension grows. In our corner of the city, things are quiet. But even as we plan out our day, we are aware that on the other side of Karachi, in Orangi, violence is slowly mounting and the deathtoll has risen to almost thirty people over the past few days.

To distract ourselves, my mother, Minal and I visit Mohatta Palace Museum Mohatta Palace Museum to view the exhibition of Asim Butt’s work. The exhibition is a comprehensive overview of Butt’s life with his paintings, photographs of his graffiti art, a slideshow of sketches, and the show closes with a documentary about his short life.

By evening, city tensions have risen as the MQM has called for a peaceful strike tomorrow to protest against the killings. The city slowly shuts down and lines build up at gas stations as no one knows how long the shutdown will last. In our home, we operate with a business-as-usual attitude and make plans for the next day, knowing fully well that all plans are subject to change.