KARACHI, Jan 15: Social deprivation and unemployment in old town areas, which are now part of Lyari and Saddar towns, have cast their effects on the attitude of its young population and made them defiant which was witnessed in anti-government demonstrations and rallies held in reaction to current turmoil in Balochistan.
Since there are no proper communication channels or forums available to them they are compelled to vent to their pent-up feelings by resorting to street agitation and it appeared as if they are no longer ready to accept any injustice perpetrated by the administration.
At present, a large number of young people in Lyari and Saddar are without jobs as only a few of them are educated. Most of the employed are doing manual work, as they are the main breadwinners for their families.
With an increase in commercial activities and growing population, cheap labour by employing children who work 10 hours a day and seven days a week is on the rise. The mushroom growth in garages and godowns expose youth from the poor families to in-sanitary conditions and toxic substances as they are forced to work for their survival and support their families.
Owing to competitive commercial activities, Kharadar, Mithadar, Lea Market and its surrounding areas have become densely populated affecting the outdated infrastructure. One can see how people are compelled to live in sub-human conditions. Congested roads are a permanent source of noise pollution while insanitation poses serious health hazards as overflowing gutters expose everyone to infectious diseases. Adding to the problems is proliferation of garages and godowns in residential areas, making living conditions intolerable.
The representatives of CBOs and NGOs have urged the concerned authorities to change their attitude and initiate steps to improve the scenario.
In case of youth, they suggested that immediate priority should be to create employment opportunities. Police officials who are known for their open links should not be posted in these areas and drastic action should be taken against elements indulging in narcotics business. They regretted that the people who were elected have failed to solve the problems of their respective areas.
They also discounted the argument that the basic issue of the locality was law and order and had no political connotations. Had it been so, there would have not been frequent demonstrations and rallies apparently on the Balochistan issue.
Since the demonstrators were largely younger elements who have serious grievances, it is clear that they are becoming increasing volatile as the intensity of problems they face increases. The matter calls for serious thought, as it can not be tackled on a purely administrative basis by putting younger elements behind bars.—Staff Reporter
