—Photo by Awab Alvi/teeth.com.pk
Edhi Centre: One of the ‘many’ bodies at the ‘Sard khana’ was screaming so loudly that it shook me, “Why can’t you speak out for me?” I took a step back, and looked away. Another one almost nudged me “Are you okay with all my friends laying down here all across the room?” Still shaken, the next one screeched in my head “Have you gotten so used to watching bloodshed, that you don’t care anymore?”
I ran away gasping for air, taking long breaths the whole while to calm myself down. Suddenly from somewhere inside me, I heard a whispered, “Why are you okay with being silent?”
The disgrace
Millions of citizens of Karachi are suffering from the conflict between political parties and gang mafias. A war between, land mafia, drug mafia, bhatta mafia and others, who feed on corruption have wounded life across the city. At least 490 people have been killed in target killings in the first half of this year, 11 killed last Sunday.
Following Wednesday’s killing of 17 people including ex-MP Waja Karim Dad, violence has further escalated – bodies are literally being thrown in jute bags across the city. Many officials and analysts say more will continue.
Police say many of those killed were kidnapped first. Victims displayed signs of severe torture. 315 people were killed in July alone; those who are not killed, have to endure the loss of a loved one – their lives have been consumed by a vicious cycle of grief. The most alarming thing however, is how the citizens of Karachi are reacting to it. While deprived neighborhoods like Liyari are suffering due to the violence that has taken place between criminal gangs who are armed dealers in drugs and extortion rackets. Why are we just watching innocent people die?
We know the power of our politicians, shutting down entire cities in the blink of an eye. Now they seem to be ‘less strong than the mafia’? Hence, should we believe that the government’s ‘deep concerns’ are useless, if they can’t seem to bring a stop to this rot? We have watched and heard of meeting after meeting, discussion after discussion over Sindh and the Federal Government, but when Karachi actually was on red alert, no police were to be found on the streets.
The real disgrace
More than 1,400 people have been killed in Karachi since January, and the numbers keep ridiculously escalating. Why don’t we protest? Mohsin Sayeed, Fashion journalist and social activist says “its apathy”.
He argued it was not the fear of the citizens but their selfishness towards the Karachi killings. “As long as it is not happening in their own house, they’re fine with it”
Mohsin, with many others came out at the Karachi Press Club to protest the killings, disgusted by those who couldn’t make it there to demonstrate support, only to show up to a lawn exhibition later in the evening.
Mohsin says, “People are the culprits. Look at Anna Hazare in India. Didn’t he gather 30,000 people in one city and 20,000 in the other? Isn’t their government considering them? Why then do we feel, we won’t heard?”
Our problem is that we think it won’t make any difference. But Nabiha Chaudry, a student who has been keenly active in protests at the Press Club for years says “These protest will make a difference. I have seen a significant change over the past 3 years, with students from NED making huge waves through their protests”
People need to know that they NEED to come out. This madness will go on, because nobody cares. If you step out to shop for Eid, and hit lawn sales, but find it ‘unsafe’ to come out and protest, you should know who you are kidding.
People are cozy by indulging in cyber discussion, boldly speaking their minds out, RSVP-ing events. But when it comes to stepping out and holding a screaming banner, they hide behind their doors, resorting to excuses like ‘security, fear, uncertainty’.
Maybe our anticipation is as dead as it was in 2008, when the death toll was 777, or in 2010 when it was 1339. This year, it is at its highest, a catastrophic 1495 and still counting. Are you sure, that this time the fire won’t reach your own house?
Kiran Nazish is a freelance journalist and an interactive reporter.
The views expressed by this blogger and in the following reader comments do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Dawn Media Group.
The “Eid shopping” bit is the most thought provoking one. Although the bazaars are a lot less crowded than they used to be, still! I think it’s “Terrorism Fatigue”, like an Indian reader pointed out elsewhere. The rate at which the city has been battered, the people have gone numb.
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I / I took the one less travelled by / And that has made all the difference”.
Protest is a must to end anything but they are futile without a leader….
Take a leaf out of Anna’s campaign. I dont support the Lok Pal bill, but most definitely support the rising of the society against an uncaring government. Democracy is not just about electing, but also telling the Government its wrong when it is.
pen is mighter than sword.if we believe that our argument our demand is right than no super power can even stop us from having a safe life in Pakistan
Well done, May your efforts be fruitful.
This is so beautiful its like a light at the end of the tunnel, if the people across the tunnel prepared themselves to raise voice, stand up peacefully just remain on the street, their electricity water inflation will be used to punish and force them to remain inside the doors and cry, so why not cry on the streets at least
cruel rulers will watch on TV who still think they are popular and win next election, I like this article which can be a beginning to end the era of shameless politicians
The only way the citizens of Karachi are going to break away the shackles is when no one shows up at the telephonic address from a foreigner. When will that happen or will it?
Isn’t it ironic that we protest and die when someone somewhere makes a cartoon of someone we love but when people he would love “the poor, the desprate” no one is protesting.
Excellent and timely article.
It seems to me and I wish I am wrong, Pakistan is doomed unless new generation of Pakistanis, may be 20 years from now, take over and salvage this country.
Innocent people are being killed in Karachi by dozens on a daily basis for quite sometimes but the naïve Pakistani leaders from all stripes are debating on the constitutionality of deploying Army in Karachi and giving just lip services and saying attractive words to news media every now and then. They have absolutely no value for human lives as long as members of their own families and household are not hurt. May Allah guide them in the right direction.
Well said Kiran. You can also judge the apathy by the comments on the article. Now if this was an article discussing the details of some pointless display of faith then we’d have 100′s of comments. Everyone is good at talking, ready to defend their pride against the enemy (US, etc). No one is willing to confront the real problems.
A few thousands leaders like the Gandhian Anna Hazare have to rise up for every city of Pakistan to end corruption in Pakistan. Waiting for political leaders to solve problems is meaningless.
We need more awakening on the issue of Karachi and Army needs to be called once and for all.
Very well written. After viewing the brutal events going on in khi, we have no option but to come on streets. We have seen in the past how powerful the effect is, take the case of chief justice. We have to do it again, the government is hopeless, with no zamir, dead absolutely dead, but we the citizens when stand together can be the only hope for Pakistan’s survival. we have to do this!
You want rich socialites to go out and protest on the streets.
No,it’s not apathy, and it’s not selfishness. It’s a lack of trust in whom to follow. There is no second tier of leaders who have credibility, who can ask people to join them in protest and be believed their motives are indeed altruistic.
When every public figure is reviled, as our politicians are, apart from short-lived spontaneous outbursts when some particularly horrific act takes place, people are reluctant to protest openly, in case they are left alone to face the inevitable reaction from the wrong-doers. A credible figure, who has not been tainted by association with the system, who has shown constancy in the face of adversity, can form the nucleus of a critical mass.
And he must harness techno-savvy people for mass communication to organise the people on where to assemble and when at very short notice.
SCREAM, SCREAM your hearts out! What good will it do! nothing and I mean nothing. The only way My City, My Country will be saved is by getting rid of all the NON-CARING government officials and the big shots that are running the show now. REVOLT! REVOLT! is the only option.
Long Live Pakistan, Long live Karachi.
It is my firm opinion that only “Dictatorship” can manage “Pakistan’s” destiny. we must learn from our past – Pakistan’s best period was when “Zia” was in power, “Mus” was in power and the worst was “Ben” & now “Zar” being in power. So having democracy but having riots, killing etc it better to have army rule but have peace in the country. Its a shame that we are called “Headache of the world” and today we citizens of Pakistan actually believe in this. I overhead one of my colleagues saying that it would have been better if we did have the partition and remained a part of India. Atleast we would have peace and our families would be safe.
“Have you gotten so used to watching bloodshed, that you don’t care anymore?”I am quoting line from your blog. This sums up the attitude of the whole nation.One looks for an inspiring leadership under present circumstances . All we have , a bunch busy making shady deals to stay in the power.
Completely agree. Keeping silence on injustice (carnage in this case) is a sin. What are we waiting for? Help from disguise? It does not happen, even god help those who are willing to help themselves. If nothing we can do let us raise our voices against this violence and not underestimate the power of masses.
Confrontation!!!! This is the only way if we really want to safe this country. We are so worry about the happenings of Karachi but should not forget that we were so quite when all similar was and is happening in Balochistan. We are protesting front of press club because this is happening in Karachi but where we were when it was happening in other areas of country. How many times we protested against the Bombing in Tribal areas… So this is very true that we feel it only when it happens with us…
Thanks a lot for writing this…More than the politicians and all the mafias in Karachi, I am mad at the people of Pakistan…There should be protests all over the country over this violence but I think people have not only grown too used to bloodshed but have become selfish as well…People think that as long as my family is safe and I have enough money to feed my family, what happens to others does not matter…Quran says, “And what is wrong with you that you fight not in the Cause of Allah, and for those weak, ill-treated and oppressed among men, women, and children, whose cry is: “Our Lord! Rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from You one who will protect, and raise for us from You one who will help.”…On the day of the judgment, all of us will be asked why we kept quiet while our fellow muslims were being murdered and tortured inhumanely. Will anyone of us have an answer? Never will Allah help us until we try to help ourselves. If we don’t stand up against the injustice in Pakistan soon, it wont be just Karachi whose streets will be running with the blood of the innocents. Not only will we be punished in this life but in afterlife by Allah as well…
true said we are selfish and nothing else. if we can comeout for singing the national anthem y we cant come to protest and this is why our government officials are not taking this seriously coz they believe that khi ppl dont care abt it
guilty as charged, will try to wake up from my slumber for screaming from now …. hopefully, hope Allah wills
First of why as a citizens of Pakistan Pay taxes of huge amount paid to securities agencies including Army. Also our Consititution gurantees safety of Life and Property of Evry citizens. Then Question arises that when Police & other paramilitary forces due to corruption and political influence , unable to server its tax payer a fair service.
If our military can be asked to help out in Flood, earthqauke even in natural disasters then why not in present situation. Karachi is in total breakdown of law and order. Their street govern by Political Militants killing randomly. This situation is 100 times worse than swat and NW, where there was no killing. If military can be call to such place where only USA wishes were and dollars being paid, then Army moves in. This times a genuine cause is asking army to duty its duty for they are paid for. If not, then it will add up to more shame of of our forces who already badly defame by USA action inside Pakistan.
Time is Ticking…….
Jago Pakistan, For God sake, Jago!
In India, we also became complacent with things happening around, though corruption was effecting each one.. poor to rich.. unless people had their voice heard through Anna.. But his protest would not have been successful unless thousands came out in the streets braving all odds.. sure karachites can find a Anna among them.. hope for a peaceful city
Tears are falling from innocent eyes, I appeal every citizen of Pakistan to raise his/him voice against these hard line groups, politics has become worst in history. we should raise our voice today.
very well written and very true and totally agree that we can make a difference only if we believed into it… people have become selfish and honestly people need to realize what are our kids learning from us….if they dont see any positive attitude in their elders they will also follow the same dark path….I pray to Allah in the month of Ramzaan that He gives Hadayat and faith to our nation…i have seen all the religious parties come out on street when Dr Aafia was sent to jail etc but i dont see the same religious parties on the street when people are getting murdered doesnt Allah say that killing a momin is haram!
Dear religious parties here are as Hippocratic as any. they only do what they can sell ! … stop expecting it from the parties its time to do it your self !
People are just oblivious that their voice could make a change but more of it they are scared, they are scared of making their children orphan they are scared that what will happen to their parents if they found their sons as corpse in jute bags…. But i appreciate those brave souls who are protesting I too want to protest but I think these protests are futile without a leader
i have question for mr mohsin sayeed…. As you said, its apathy.. and people are fine as far as its not happening in their own house… YOU are also included among all thopse people who sit back on the comfortable couches and talk big about pakistan but neve actually willing to get on the road and protest…. if that is how YOU think it can be stopped… unless and untill you are ready to do something like that, i think you have no right to say anything about how people are in karachi… they’r living in a hell of a place where they’r more concerned about being safe rather than being shot….
Frustration is very evident. This fear is killing us more than bullet. Individual approach will not help here and we need come out in masses to fight this fear.
Dear still the author is there to highlight !
Thank you for voicing this out. The silence of general citizens over the issue is appalling. We need to break the fear out of our crowds. We need to gather the real street power, that of neutral citizens, who want just peace.
Thank you for the mention
I completely agree with the writer. We have gone cold blooded and need to be shaken up. What is happening in Karachi should not be acceptable but people tend to stay quiet until it hits their home. Come out and protest! If we stay quiet, not only us but we will leave our next generations to suffer in the hands of these mafia and corrupt politicians.