::: An investigation into the palmistry powers of Islamabad's finest fortune tellers...
::: By Taimur Hyat

::: Location: Kohsar Market
::: Mystical means: Palmistry with shades of astrology
::: Accessories: A large magnifying glass; a primative microscope and a "Piano" ball point pen.
::: Cost: Free

slamabad's most famous palmist is also Islamabad's most unlikely palmist. As he shuffles out of his little apartment above Kohsar Market to greet us, dressed in a scruffy bush-shirt and white trousers, he looks more like a retired civil-servant or chartered accountant. Only his shocking white hair makes him look vaguely mystical.

The room in which we sit is bare, apart from a few paintings on the wall: a little girl, the Quaid-e-Azam, peasants working in a village. these Talat has painted himself. Politicians visit him during the night, and commision his art during the day. In the tiny room next-door lies a computer, perhaps filing the secret lives of the Islamabad elite; floppies with stories of aging big shots and dejected wanna-bee's, smouldering flames and those that have been doused.

We sit on a red sofa. My hand is held firmly, twisted around, my thumb is bent backwards. Suddenly Talat seems to possess mystical power; to see through you. Six dots are drawn on the right hand; a few rapid-fire questions are asked; silent calculations are made. then Talat speaks for ten, twenty minutes. Candidly, without emotion. Dissecting emotions and feelings, plunging into past nightmares; traversing time and space as he makes fearless forays into the future. Single women are married, unborn children are born, future careers begin and end, living relatives die.

There is still time for a few questions: who will your soul-mate be, how will you die, where will you live. And then it is all over. Without warning, you are slowly going down the steps to Kohsar Market, while you hear shuffling footsteps lead back into the room and a swinging dor slowly bang shut.

Continue: Palmist No. 2 - I.H. Malik >>>