The economy is the backbone of any country, and big cities play a vital role in generating revenue to boost the economy. Karachi, the former capital of our state, known as the City of Lights, is not only the economic hub of the country but also the largest populated and geographically extensive city of Pakistan.

According to the 2023 report of the Global Liveability Index (GLI), a yearly assessment published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Karachi ranks as the fifth worst city in the world to live in. After reading the report, it was surprising to me that despite the problems Karachi faces, it hasn't become the worst city in the world. The first question that comes to my mind is: who is responsible for this worst condition of Karachi? But before pointing fingers, it is important to highlight the materialistic factors which lead to the downfall of Karachi.

The first and major issue in this city is street crime. According to the report, in the first three months of 2024, hundreds of mobile phones have been snatched, more than 100 bikes have been stolen, and over 50 people have died while resisting robbery attempts. The police and rangers have completely failed to secure the lives of people and control the robbers. As a result, people have started taking the law into their own hands and killing robbers and dacoits themselves. Many cases have been reported. Robbers snatch everything from you as if it were their right, and it would be a great favour if they don't shoot you. The second issue is traffic. Vehicles are coming from all directions, and there is no strict timing for heavy vehicles like trucks and buses to enter the city from specific routes. In Karachi, most accidents happen because of rickshaw drivers and motorbike riders who do not care about speed limits.

When we talk about air pollution, the issue of buses arises, some of which are 20 years old, emitting smoke. It presents such a direct danger, so much smoke, that you think Karachi's air pollution is boundless. Whether it's from cars or factories, our city's air pollution seems limitless. Along with this comes noise pollution. The noise of traffic and illegal horns installed by mafias in their vehicles contributes to noise pollution. If we talk about ground pollution, it would not be wrong to say that Karachi is the "City of Garbage" or "City of Trash." Unfortunately, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has shown little interest in cleaning the city. Bahria Town has initiated efforts to clean the city, but unfortunately, the results were not as welcome. Seventeen waste management institutions are working in the city to clear the garbage from streets and roads, but still, the mountains of garbage continue to grow due to the uncertainty of the Sindh government. Unfortunately, the daily garbage ratio in Karachi exceeds 7,000 tons daily, and institutions are only able to collect or clear half of this amount. If you ever visit Karachi, you will realize that 70 percent of the entire city looks like a dustbin, with a smell pervading everywhere, including Gujjar Nalah, all of which are blocked due to waste buildup.

It is very surprising that most people have guns and heavy rifles with them. Guards carry costly heavy guns that not even the police possess. While guns are necessary for the security of VIP persons, people in Karachi keep guns for power shows and to intimidate the poorer class. The gun culture is very normal here, unlike in other countries except America, where they are facing consequences for normalizing guns as a right. Karachi resembles Somalia and North America, where it seems like a civil war is ongoing, with everyone having guns. Every person has four or five guards, and they carry such big SMGs and LMGs in their hands, which scare the common people.

The road infrastructure has been destroyed, lacking underpasses and flyovers to manage traffic flow. The sewerage system is also in disarray, with almost 40 to 50 percent of Karachi submerged in water every year, resulting in millions of rupees in losses for the people. Looking at public transport, Karachi's population exceeds three crores, leading to chaos. It is the only city in the world with such a large population that lacks an organized public transport system. While there are buses, the same 200-year-old ones are still in operation, emitting endless smoke. It's a dire situation. The Federal government launched green bus services, and the Sindh government also introduced red and pink buses for women, which is a positive step. However, these transports are not enough for more than 3 crore people.

It's truly unfortunate that this city, situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea, faces such a dire water situation. When residents turn on their taps, they're often met with disappointment as no water flows. The only recourse is to call for a water tanker, but even that brings non-potable water, unfit for drinking. For clean drinking water, separate orders for large cans are necessary. This water is then used for consumption. Access to pure drinking water is very costly here.

As you arrive at the hospital, the government facility doesn't meet your expectations. You opt for a private hospital instead, but even minor illnesses come with hefty bills. When it's time to choose a college for your kids, you start with one that seems decent. However, if it doesn't meet your standards, anxiety sets in. Eventually, you're compelled to enroll your children in a private college, where degrees come at a steep price, sometimes costing millions. The city offers very beyond upscale restaurants. While some private beaches offer respite, they come with a hefty price tag, making them inaccessible to many. Fortunately, street food remains a viable option for the poor and lower-middle class. There is also big issue of illegal land mafia and encroachments, illegal parking stands are also looting millions of rupees from citizens pockets.Top of FormTop of FormTop of Form

Now, let's address the initial question: who is responsible for these circumstances? In my opinion, the people of Karachi are themselves responsible. They continuously choose the same leaders, offering unwavering support and votes. Racism and sectarianism run deep; Sindhis resist Urdu speakers, and Muhajirs refuse to accept any rule but their own. Despite facing numerous challenges, they perpetuate conditions that have made Karachi the fifth worst city to live in globally. Some individuals proudly identify as Muhajirs, even though the concept of Muhajirs and locals should have ended after partition. We are all Pakistanis, and we should stand united. However, the elite of Karachi resist change because a perfect system would threaten their status and power. Karachi, often referred to as the Orphan city, is essentially a playground for the elite and a living hell for the poor. Sometimes, our rulers are not solely to blame; we also contribute to spreading hate and chaos in society and we make strong the feet of elites to supress us more and places becoming unsafe to live for poor and lower middle-class people.

If people of Karachi behaviour, this city will remain in the same condition. Many of my close acquaintances who love Karachi, who are passionate about it, always saw it as the most wonderful place to live. However, that's not entirely true. While I also love Karachi, we must accept the truth and move out of denial. Undoubtedly, Karachi has its positive aspects, especially for those who grew up there. But we need to acknowledge its shortcomings and work towards improvement.Top of Form

 The writer, Hassan Ali Khan is an Advocate & Cyber Law Expert. In this Article, he is drawing an attention to the citizens of Karachi to take positive stand for their rights and against the cruelty of elites against the people of Karachi and stay united despite any race and no matter to which political party you belong because we all Pakistanis. The suggestions and feed backs are always welcome.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)