KARACHI:
Dilapidated roads, filth, noisy buses, no drinking water, lack of sanitation, no shelter, stray dogs, illegal use of loudspeakers from politicians and religious parties, jam-packed roads, chaotic and undisciplined traffic, illiterate behavior of drivers, lack of government jobs for locals, unabated bribes and corruption — the common man of Karachi is lamenting life in these conditions while the privileged elite continue to enjoy their lavish lifestyles to the fullest. This is our truth and our reality.
The elite have clever ways to evade taxes while the rest of the population has to bear the brunt of money laundering and international debt. The state continues to increase taxes while providing mediocre services to the common man. Isn’t this a mockery to the people? Furthermore, the decision to impose a so-called one-time “super tax” on the rich comes with certain dangers as capitalists will be eager to shift their money abroad. This will indeed add to economic instability and lead to rampant unemployment.
There seems to be little hope as the light at the end of the tunnel seems to be diminishing with every passing day. If the government is unable to provide for citizens, it is up to the people to take matters into their own hands. Protests against price hikes and inflation must be ramped up to exert pressure on the government. Why should millions of people have to suffer from the illegal practices carried out by a few powerful men?
Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2022.
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