Remembering Sabeen Mahmud
Dr. Yasmeen Kazi
I found out about T2F about 3 years ago and I started to attend events there. The Second Floor was indeed our Peace Niche. In Karachi, amidst violence and terrorism, we needed a refuge like that. T2 F was a coffee shop. It was a place where young people could meet friends, have snacks, study, read, use the internet.
It was a place where amateur and budding musicians, singers, poets and writers could show their talents. T2F has been hosting events like discussions, book launchings, film shows, music programs, etc. This was the brainchild of a talented, remarkable young woman, Sabeen Mahmud. Tall and pretty Sabeen was a regular sight in intellectual and cultural programs held in Karachi. T2F was a favourite haunt of people holding and attending such programs. On 24th April 2015, T2F was holding an event, ‘Unsilencing Balochistan’. This was to have some controversial participants. Earlier, the same program was to be held in LUMS in Lahore, but it was cancelled. Sabeen was a bold person, who was never afraid to stand up for human rights and freedom. The program was held there, as scheduled. Later, I was shocked to know that on the way back, Sabeen and her mother had been shot on Sunset Boulevard. Sabeen received five bullets and died instantly. Her mother received one bullet and is recovering.
It was later revealed that Sabeen had been receiving threats from different quarters. She had continued with her activities, undeterred. She paid with her life. Karachiites were dismayed at the news, and flocked to pay their respects as her dead body was brought to T2F the next day.
Her courageous mother also took leave from the hospital where she was admitted and sat there calmly, receiving condolences. We hope that Sabeen’s killers will be found and brought to book. T2F must not be forgotten. It is Sabeen Mahmud’s legacy and gift to the people of Karachi, and must be continued. That will be the best tribute to her memory.
Disclaimer:
This article is released by Dispatch News Desk news agency and authored by Dr Yasmeen Kazi who is a medical doctor and philanthropist from Sindh, Pakistan. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Dispatch News Desk International and Eurasian News. Assumptions made within the analysis may not reflective of the position of Dispatch News Desk.
