My father survived the Karsaz bombing; each new terror attack takes us back there
This piece was originally published on June 1, 2022. Over the last few decades, there is a severe burden of ‘resilience’ that has been thrust upon the inhabitants of some large cities in Pakistan, whether it is in the form of persistent rates of crime, diseased public utilities, unbreathable air, floundering healthcare or dismal transportation infrastructure. This oft-romanticised resilience is…
In October 2007, Karachi experienced a tragic event when two bombs detonated in the Karsaz area, resulting in the deaths of nearly 200 people and leaving over 500 injured. News of the incident spread quickly, causing widespread panic and alarm among residents. As the family listened to the breaking news on television, my mother suffered a severe injury, losing all sensation in her legs and collapsing.
Attempts to contact my father proved futile due to the state-imposed jammers preventing communication. The family kept dialing his mobile number, desperate for any update on his well-being, but the situation was dire and uncertain.
Subsequently, family members rushed to search for my father amidst the chaos. Eventually, they learned that he had been injured, with shrapnel piercing through his torso and legs. The extent of his injuries was severe, including deep metal fragments lodged in his body and extensive damage to his intestinal tract. Despite the severity of his condition, my father was fortunate to receive medical attention and was taken to the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, a designated hospital for treating injuries and casualties.
However, due to his deteriorating condition, he was eventually transferred to Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, where he underwent a life-saving surgery known as a hemicolectomy.
The ordeal took a toll on not only my father's physical health but also on the emotional well-being of the entire family. Nearly 15 years later, the trauma from that fateful day continues to resurface, affecting every aspect of life. In the years following the attack, I found it difficult to discuss the incident, resorting to changing the subject or leaving the room altogether when the topic was brought up.
The relentless recurrence of terror attacks in Pakistan, particularly in my hometown of Karachi, has triggered this deep-seated anxiety and fear, making it impossible to escape the haunting memories of that day.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
