New spell of rains: daily-wage workers worst hit

Markets deserted, uncertainty looms as authorities urge citizens to stay indoors

KARACHI:

With the onset of another spell of monsoon rains, government authorities have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and remain indoors. While the advice is meant as a precaution against flooding and traffic disruptions, it has triggered anxiety among residents - particularly the city's daily-wage earners who depend on daily labor for survival.

The warnings, amplified by social media rumors of "heavy downpours ahead," have left citizens unsure of how to respond. Markets and bazaars across the metropolis wore a deserted look on Monday as shoppers stayed away and many laborers returned home early after failing to find work.

Blessing or burden?

According to Haji Ahmed Raza Tayyab, a trustee of a local social welfare organization, rainfall in Karachi often turns from blessing to burden because of poor infrastructure and drainage problems. "The last spell of rain badly affected everyone. Now, with the new rains, the government is advising people to stay home. But for the poor, staying home means going hungry," he said.

Traders fear prolonged disruption

The business community also voiced concern. Khawaja Jamal Sehti, patron-in-chief of the All Karachi Traders Alliance, noted that precautionary announcements directly hit business activity. "Rain already slows down trade. When authorities tell people to stay home, markets go quiet. The biggest sufferers are daily-wage workers - if they don't earn, their stoves don't light. There should be a support package for them," he demanded.

Workers struggle to survive

Labor leaders echoed similar worries. Nasir Mansoor, a labor rights activist, warned that the monsoon and flood situation has left hundreds of workers without jobs. "Karachi is the economic hub of Pakistan, yet the worker's most basic need is food. Flour prices have already reached Rs120 per kilo.

For many, the reality is already dire. Zia Ahmed, a house painter, said he went to a labor pick-up point in Liaquatabad but, like dozens of others, returned empty-handed. "The government tells us to stay home. But to stay home, you need money. Without money, you can't eat. Rain or no rain, workers like us cannot afford to stop," he lamented.