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Karachi – The City of Lights?

Muhammad Azfar Ahsan on 10, Mar 2013 | 5 Comments | in Category: Insight

Muhammad Azfar Ahsan

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Mujhey koi achee khabar sona, meray khush nazar, meray khush bayan,
Meree kashtian hain bhanwar bhanwar, meree bastian hain dhuan dhuan…..

(Amjad Islam Amjad)

Karachi is no more the city of lights! I would have felt guilty making such a blunt statement if only I knew that my friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances were the least bothered by it. The bitter truth is that these massacres happening on a routine basis, permanent lawlessness and last but not the least, the shameful “eyes-wide-shut” attitude from the so called establishment has devoid any of us with emotions enough to get hurt on such remarks.

Karachi – the city of lights has turned into Karachi – the city where sun never rises. What happened on third of March in Karachi shook all of us to our very roots. It was a horrid tragedy with unmanageable proportions of allegations on all sides. When I first saw these horrific images on the television, waves of shudder ran through my spine thinking that I crossed this area a day before the incident and of course seeing so many of my countrymen lose their lives in a spur.
These series of incidents in Karachi coupled with serious security lapses across the country have raised grave questions about the inefficiency and honesty of the rulers, not very incredulous to the masses already. The Government of Sindh, like Nero of Rome, was playing the flute at Mohatta Palace while dozens of innocent victims needed them to save whatever was left of their lives. Death toll was over 45 die, and more than 150 got injured in Karachi blast. Massive explosion in Abbas Town destroys 170 residential apartments and 70 shops but hundreds of soldiers of Sindh Police and FC were deputed to protect the VIPs of this country at Mohatta Palace.  My friend Syed Veqar ul Islam said:

“500K to 1 million is the current rate for bomb blast victims. Zero for target killed. Looking for more buyers as value of human life has been reduced to Zero’s and One’s. Complete apathy of people, state, justice system. Let us keep selling these dead bodies for dime a dozen and keep enjoying the fruits of voting people who are the biggest traitors this country has ever seen. I am sure we will all go out and vote for these killers again for we want to get our fair price for our lives too.”

My friend Abbas Hasan, the resident of Abbas Town rightly said that “I feel like slapping the government on the face for immediately announcing (never-to-see) financial compensation for Abbas Town victims. Elected leaders we all want to live, not compensation for your misdeed that may result in a death”.

The series of bomb blasts, target-killings, kidnapping for ransom to street and round the clock street crimes, are nonetheless a big blow for foreign investment in the country, as forigners feel more inhibited than ever to invest in Pakistan. Our already knee-deep in trouble economy has all macro-economic indicators show negative trend and country direly needed foreign investment to cope with the current economic challenges for which business friendly, peaceful and secure environment is essential.
I urge the President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of Supreme Court and High Court of Sindh and Chief of Army Staff that they should build up a comprehensive, mutual plan to safeguard the city and the country alike  by involving all political parties and other stakeholders to deal with the menace of bombing and other acts of terrorism on priority basis. There is a need of political will to resolve this issue without any further delay.

I urge the rulers and political parties that public holiday and strike after any incident is not the solution. Closure of business is not only a disaster for daily wagers or labors but for the mid to large size industries. The dilemma is that educational institutes are facing challenges because two to three holidays almost every week.

The nation is also going through a testing time along with this tragic situation. We are waiting for elections in May 2013. Today’s Pakistan cannot afford any mistakes. People suppressed by poverty & unjust are waking up. In my point of view, responsibility of change not only lies with any specific political party or leader but also on the people of the country. It is to be seen if people of the country prove a tsunami for the so called political idols or they would once again fall victim to big bad world of traditional politics.

If I could weave my words…
In a laurel for each feat…
And for every act of courage…
I could place a gilded leaf…
If for every silent offering…
You gave in sacrifice…
A wreath of honor…
Could be made…
It never would suffice…
It could never match the gift…
You gave with strength and grace…
Or the depth of your commitment…
For the freedom we embrace…
If I could weave these words…
In an honored, golden wreath…
I’d add each leaf in reverence…
Then I’d lay it at your feet…

(Sharon Frye, Memorial Day 2007)

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