January 12, 2006

It is like the passionate embrace of a newly-wed girl. Karachi welcomes its friends and foes alike. It never rejects anybody. Not even those who refuse to interact with it. Cultural and linguistic diversity instead of creating a sense of conflict, strengthens its belief in the concept of indestructible unity. But when this historical city is in a fury, it turns violent. Like the unpredictable waves of the Arabian Sea, its hunger and thirst know no bounds, as we have seen in the past.

Karachi is currently passing through a unique phase when love and hate seem to mingle together. The winter is here with all its devastating accompaniments. Cold winds are lashing everything that comes in its way —- without any restraint. It is a popular joke shared by all the citizens of Pakistan that this city does not have its own weather. It changes with the direction of the wind blowing in Quetta. And when Quetta sneezes the whole of Karachi catches cold.

This benign city normally has a moderate climate. In most parts of the year, it has pleasant weather. The summer, of course, sizzles. But its closeness to the sea takes away most of the heat and its beaches offer a delightful scene. Not hundreds but thousands gather on the sandy beaches and enjoy the benefits of the sea shore. The horrors of a dark night never bother them. Despite the lurking threats of violence, the Karachiites defeat all suspicions and apprehensions.

But come December, the scenario changes with the harsh and unfriendly wind blowing in the city. The people sitting in the cozy living rooms of spacious bungalows, far away from the din and bustle of a monotonous life, cannot feel winter in its true essence. Sipping coffee, or any other beverage of their choice, they overcome the torture that winter generally brings in. They have neither the time nor inclination to think of millions of families who shiver under the open skies and without any proper clothing.

Every winter many become victims of the changing weather conditions. The divide in the society is too wide and incomprehensible. A correspondent who was once a guest of a prosperous family was startled to see the gap. The youngsters living in that house told her that during the summer they invariably left for Europe or the States. The heat in their own country was simply unbearable. For them the vagaries of weather had no meaning.

Commenting on the social divide in Karachi, a foreigner expressed his astonishment on the limits of tolerance that the people of Karachi have. He said, “Every big city has this problem. But it has crossed all limits in Karachi. Why don’t the poor of this city set the villas on fire?”

In the summer they have the option of sleeping outside their homes, even on pavements. But they have little options in winter. The poor are destined to shiver endlessly. The second-hand clothes that sprout up everywhere with the advent of winter hardly provide some relief and are a source of comfort for them to an extent.

What have we done during the past fifty years to heal the wounds of millions of people without whose cooperation and sacrifices Pakistan could not have come into being? Poverty and deprivation, unfortunately, continue to reign supreme.

Just think of the thousands of earthquake victims who have lost everything they had with them. Their loss in terms of people and material is colossal. In spite of all claims of relief and rehabilitation, in real terms, they have neither the relief, nor any rehabilitation benefits. The tented villages turn into icy chambers during the harsh nights. There is apprehension that many would face inevitable death as it continues to rain along with the snowfall.

Are we really responding to their call? Is it not time that did some soul-searching? These unfortunate people form part of the Pakistani nation. These words have little significance for the rich and the privileged. The treatment meted out to their own citizens stranded in Bangladesh is ample proof of their apathy. Those unfortunate people whose ancestors had played a key role in the creation of Pakistan seemed to have lost all claims to this land of their dreams.

Apparently it seems to be an intricate problem. There appears to be no solution in sight. But at least we can make a beginning. First of all let us realize our responsibility as conscious members of society. Self-interest should not be the main factor in our decision-making. Collective thinking and collective wisdom should be allowed to play its part in shaping the destiny of this nation. We should not overlook the problems of the poor and the disadvantaged. The year 2006 should be a turning point in the poor man’s life.... n

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