I am a born Karachiite — and pretty loyal at that. But despite all my love for this city — love that comes from the depths of my heart — I have been forced to live in conditions that betray my loyalty. Throughout my life, I had had opportunities to leave Karachi, yet not even for a fraction of a second did I think of abandoning my own beloved city. I stayed in the city, believing in its soul, believing that it deserved better.
I am just a middle-class professor — not a politician or a businesswoman. I am an ordinary person who dreams of seeing Karachi rise again. My only wish is to make this city better, to transform it, and to leave behind a healthier, livable abode for the generations to come.
I am writing to formally lodge my complaint against the grave negligence and lack of civic management that caused me severe distress and financial loss on the rain-drenched Tuesday earlier this week. Despite being a responsible citizen who has consistently paid taxes, I was left vulnerable and unprotected during the heavy rainfall. While driving my car (leased through a bank), I got stuck in deep rainwater due to the city’s inadequate drainage system.
This incident caused me extreme trauma, as I feared for my safety and for the security of my only asset — my car. The damage to my vehicle, coupled with the emotional stress I endured, is unacceptable given the taxes and contributions my family and I have made toward the state and this city for years.
I hold KMC responsible for this negligence and demand: 1) Compensation for the financial damage caused to my vehicle; 2) Acknowledgment of the trauma and distress I faced; and 3) Immediate steps to ensure that such incidents are not repeated, so that the citizens may travel with peace and safety in their own city.
Dr Samreen Bari Aamir
Karachi
