Circulating Uncertainty: Information and Insecurity in Karachi

Over the years karachiites have developed a sensibility- a learning of the city- based on patterns of past events. They use these past experiences to think one step ahead and to anticipate the next unknowns, knowing that official authorities are unable to do so or protect them in times of crisis. As a result, Karachiites are naturally oriented to staying up to date with information relating to pasts, presents and unknown futures. This is essential for helping them navigate the spatio-temporal uncertainties of life in Karachi. This article highlights how such processes of managing uncertainty are political in nature, and how they in turn exacerbate uncertainties over Karachi's insecurity and urban future