I remember photographs from the good old days when Karachi was considered the City of Lights, but no more.
A PROUD KARACHIITE: I said to a friend the other day that Karachi is home to all, regardless of race. I feel the presence of immense affection here. She expressed amusement and told me I was “hopelessly passionate” about Karachi, and then asked me if I would get over Karachi. I replied: “Never!”
I call Karachi home. I remember photographs from the good old days when Karachi was considered the City of Lights, but no more. Right now, one could call it the City of Dark and Gloom. We don’t let our children cycle to the ice cream parlour with their friends. I cannot drive to my work alone just because I am a woman. My brothers cannot run their business peacefully as they have to face problems every now and then. My mother is always calling us all and making sure we are ok. Is this a kind of lifestyle Karachiites deserve? The kind of heel-biting fear we Karachiites have been experiencing since many years is menacing.
I am a citizen of Karachi and I plan to live here only. I don’t have dual nationality nor do I fancy applying for any. But being a Karachiite, what is our future? My request to all those authorities out there: Please don’t make us dislike our city. I used the word “dislike” because nothing can make us “hate” something we own, because I, and people like me, for all intents and purposes, own our city.
I am a young person and I support no political party. The only arrow I know is the one that aims for my dreams and my aspirations to fulfil them. The only kite I know is the one that soars high and goes with breeze. The only tiger I know is endangered, and the only bat I know is the one you swing fast when you want to play hard.
We are human and deserve to live gracefully and peacefully. This letter of mine is more of a shout out that Karachi is ours. No one can sabotage it, make it hostage and act like it’s only their property. This city is forever youthful, developing and a place where you can build yourself up. Let it be that way only!
Dr Sana Akhtar
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2013.
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