Shame

The narrator explains that shame can have a devastating effect on a family. He tells the story of an immigrant family from Pakistan who discovers that their daughter is having a relationship with a British man. The father murders his own daughter because he is overwhelmed by shame. Meanwhile, Karachi continues to grow in size and wealth. When Raza returns to the city, he finds that his reputation has been sullied in his absence. Though his military campaign is framed as a success, his brutal tactics are criticized, and he is removed from his position as the governor of Q. and is instead instated as the Minister of Education, Information, and Tourism. Maulana Dawood goes with him, encouraging Raza to enact a series of short-sighted religious laws. During this time, Sufiya experiences a “lack of affection” (121) and blushes often, an expression of the shame that she believes she should feel. These blushes become increasingly intense as she becomes increasingly ashamed, so much so that her skin becomes warm to the touch. However, her mother insists that she is simply looking for attention. At this time, Iskander is seeking to improve his reputation. He wants to improve his public image and promote himself as a politician.