From Lap Rides to Karachi Highways
Written by Ms. Durriya
For me, driving has never been just a necessity — it has always been a passion. My story with driving began long before I even reached the legal age. In fact, my earliest memory of being behind the wheel was at the age of just one, sitting on my father’s lap, my tiny hands gripping the steering while he guided me. Those moments sparked a fascination that grew with me and shaped the driver I am today.
By the time I was 16, I was confident enough to drive on my own, and ever since, the road has been my second home. Now, twenty-six years later, that passion has only grown stronger, refined through experience, and tested on one of the busiest, most unpredictable roads in the world: the streets of Karachi.
Karachi traffic is not for the faint of heart. It is a city where every drive is an adventure, and where the road teaches you lessons in patience, alertness, and resilience. The constant honking, sudden lane changes, motorcycles weaving between cars, and buses claiming more than their fair share of the road — all of it creates a unique rhythm that only seasoned drivers can truly understand. For me, this chaos has been both a challenge and a thrill.
Over the years, I have learned that good driving in Karachi is not just about technical control of the car. It’s about anticipation. It’s about reading the road, predicting the moves of others, and staying calm when everyone else is rushing. It’s about knowing when to slow down, when to give way, and when to assert your space. I take pride in the fact that my driving is not only skillful but also mindful of safety — for myself, for my passengers, and for the countless strangers who share the road with me.
Driving has also been a form of freedom for me. Whether it’s late-night drives when the city finally falls quiet, or early mornings when the roads are still waking up, I find a sense of peace behind the wheel that few other places can offer. The car has been my companion through years of work, family responsibilities, and life’s countless errands — but it has also been my space of solitude, reflection, and even joy.
Looking back, I realize that these 26 years on the road have shaped me in more ways than I could have imagined. They’ve taught me discipline, responsibility, and the importance of staying composed under pressure. Most importantly, they’ve deepened my passion for driving — a passion that began as a toddler on my father’s lap and continues to define who I am today.