Concern for human safety

Muhammad Umer was sent to the market for groceries in Karachi’s Ahsanabad area off Superhighway when an electric cable fell on him. Naturally, he grabbed it with both hands to remove it, incinerating both of his hands to the extent that his arms had to be amputated. The cable belonged to Karachi Electric, which is denying any culpability, whereas in some reports, a shoddy kunda set-up is also being blamed. While both possibilities need to be investigated, this case is not an anomaly.

There is the story of 11-year-old Haris, who has been hospitalised for the last month with severe burns and amputations, and eight-year-old Azaan, who died last year unable to withstand electrocution, again from a fallen cable. Parents need to be mindful while sending their children out on their own, unaware of basic safety precautions such as maintaining distance from overhead cables when possible, but the most critical aspect of this case is the disregard for human safety. High-tension cable wires, if they must be exposed as they are, need to be secured tautly and away from public harm.

It has been a hapless cause to advocate for human health and safety in the country. We have access to various resources and modern technology. However, we have never had the will of leaders to regard public health and safety as a priority. This attitude trickled down to other sectors, private and public. With a bearish economy, many have been desperate to maximise profits and cut losses, even if that means neglecting the safety and well-being of fellow human beings. From major corporations to residents living in impoverished areas using the kunda system to secure electricity, shortcuts have been adopted to hold on to the maximum amount of money possible. The life-altering injury caused to innocent eight-year-old Umer, Haris, and Azaan is ‘collateral damage’ but demonstrates the magnitude of the harm our greed is doing as citizens of this nation.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2^nd, 2018.

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