Game of musical chairs
The residents of the city feel tormented and amused at the same time
Our politicians seem to possess an infallible instinct for doing the wrong thing. Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar ‘designated’ former mayor Mustafa Kamal as ‘Project Director Garbage on a voluntary basis’ on Aug 26 in view of the worsening unsanitary conditions in the city. In less than 24 hours he announced ‘suspending’ the Pak Sarzameen Party chief from the position. A few days ago, Sindh Chief Minister Abdullah Shah had announced that the standing rain and sewerage water in Karachi would be cleared in 48 hours. In the provincial assembly, the former minister for local bodies blames others for the unhygienic conditions in Karachi. Things on the ground go on worsening, however. The whole thing appears to be an ending game of musical chairs. The residents of the city feel tormented and amused at the same time.
Indifference and endurance are locked in a silent battle. Those running the affairs of state seem to have become masters of masterly inaction. We can learn a lesson or two from the recent history of hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005. How continued governmental indifference there caused heavy damage to human life and property. An inquiry report squarely blamed the government’s indifference for the damage caused to human life, property and civic infrastructure in the wake of the storm. Much before the storm struck New Orleans the concerned quarters had been warning of the impending disaster. The hurricane killed thousands, destroyed a large number of buildings and rendered thousands of people homeless. There is much in it for us to wake us from our blissful slumber. But lessons of history are for those who are willing to learn. The stupid common man has an infinite capacity for enduring suffering. Where birds go to die? Where donkeys are found dead? One can easily find answers to these uncomfortable questions. Only if one has the curiosity to ask questions. But in the prevailing atmosphere of indifference, it would be like asking people to see as far as two miles with two eyes if they can see up to one mile with one eye.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2019.
Indifference and endurance are locked in a silent battle. Those running the affairs of state seem to have become masters of masterly inaction. We can learn a lesson or two from the recent history of hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005. How continued governmental indifference there caused heavy damage to human life and property. An inquiry report squarely blamed the government’s indifference for the damage caused to human life, property and civic infrastructure in the wake of the storm. Much before the storm struck New Orleans the concerned quarters had been warning of the impending disaster. The hurricane killed thousands, destroyed a large number of buildings and rendered thousands of people homeless. There is much in it for us to wake us from our blissful slumber. But lessons of history are for those who are willing to learn. The stupid common man has an infinite capacity for enduring suffering. Where birds go to die? Where donkeys are found dead? One can easily find answers to these uncomfortable questions. Only if one has the curiosity to ask questions. But in the prevailing atmosphere of indifference, it would be like asking people to see as far as two miles with two eyes if they can see up to one mile with one eye.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2019.