Sir: The 20 million people of Karachi, the biggest and the most diverse city of Pakistan, have been facing various problems for a long time. Crime, water scarcity, and power shortages are some of the major issues and the whole city seems to be trapped under the detrimental impacts of such life- threatening problems. Not only have these issues engulfed Pakistan’s economic hub, they have also pulled the helpless people of Karachi into a quandary.
Through this newspaper, I would like to draw the attention of the central government and PTI’s strong opposition in Sindh, towards the six major issues of Karachi that need to be dealt with on a priority basis.
First, the city has suffered a lot in regards to a severe water crisis. However, if it is not managed, it could lead to violence in Karachi’s worst hit areas. Thus, the issue demands immediate attention from the ruling government. Second, the deteriorating public transport in the most populous city of Pakistan has also added fuel to the fire. The metro and green bus projects are still yet to be completed. As a result, traffic jams have gotten even worse. People would not have faced this issue had there been a good and decent public transport system.
Third, illegal settlements and land grabbing must be eradicated from Karachi. Land mafias with political support continue to be a threat. The authorities concerned should root such mafias out from the soil of the city of light. Fourth, at university level, the education standard of Karachi has suffered due to lack of resources and inefficiency of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Providing adequate funds and proper attention to the HEC can be a viable solution to promote the standard of education in this mega city.
Fifth, Karachi, despite generating 60 percent of the federal revenue, hardly gets 10 percent of the federal resources. The joint efforts of federal and provincial government can take Karachi out of crime, power shortages and unemployment. In this regard, Pakistan’s biggest and largest city needs federal resources that are more than 10 percent.
Finally, pollution, poor urban planning and the absence of an adequate garbage and waste disposal system have turned Karachi into the world’s filthiest city. The authorities concerned must strengthen the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) to address these issues. The government must also launch a public awareness campaign about pollution.
To sum it up, the issues are very serious. The people have suffered a lot from such deadly problems. However, with proper will and determination, the PTI led government can address these issues. Karachi, the city of light, can become an international trade and finance centre once more.
KAMRAN AHMED
Karachi
Published in Daily Times, September 3rd 2018.