KARACHI:
Karachi is known as the backbone of the country’s economy, yet the city continues to suffer from a range of issues that affect the daily lives of its residents. Karachi surpassed the target of revenue collection of Rs1,595 billion during the fiscal year 2021-2022. The city’s GDP is approximately 25% of the total GDP of Pakistan.
Unfortunately, though, Karachi remains underdeveloped and lacks basic facilities. Residents of most localities have little to no water supply because of this they have to fulfil their water needs through expensive water tankers. Frequent gas and electricity outages have intensified challenges as it is becoming increasingly difficult to fulfil daily chores. With the onset of summer, small vendors and retailers in bazaars will see a decline in activity due to load shedding during peak hours. Most areas do not have proper drainage systems because of this sewerage water remains accumulated on roads for months on end. The situation worsens during the monsoon season. The absence of a waste management system has resulted in garbage piles across the city. Resultantly, there is a constant foul smell in most areas. There’s a high incidence of air-borne and water-borne diseases as well.
For decades, Karachi did not have a proper affordable public transport system. As a result of this, we saw dangerous alternatives like the qingqi rickshaws and minibuses in deplorable conditions operating throughout the city. Street crimes have continuously surged over the years with law enforcement agencies taking little responsibility to address the situation. Karachiites live in a constant state of fear and frustration. The federal and provincial governments need to pay attention to Karachi’s problems and address them through comprehensive measures.
Asma Ghouri
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, April 13th, 2023.
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