Alongside this must be set the latest set of proposals both long and short term that have been trundled out by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. The city is to be transformed. Roads and parks will be developed, old buildings restored and an efficient traffic management system developed. Prosperity and a rosy glow will emerge to tinge the horizon a delicate pink, and the scent of blossom will waft everywhere.
Forgive our cynical levity but this is not the first time that transformative plans for the metropolis have been wheeled before us — and how many have been seen through to completion? Circular railway? Cleaner streets? The metro bus system? But what about street crime and terrorism cry the planners and yes street crime has reduced, it is a slightly safer place than a year ago and yes there are fewer terrorist incidents — but the battles are ongoing rather than won in respect of safety and security and neither can yet be said to be sustainable or embedded. There is nothing inherently wrong with the latest proposals, indeed they are laudable, but sustaining the political will to fulfill them across successive governments the challenge is never met. Corruption, chronically poor administration and ramshackle coordination will all eventually do their work and sadly another plan will bite the dust. So go on — now prove us wrong.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 20th, 2017.
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