I RETURNED to Karachi from abroad, looking forward to immerse myself in its culture, food and interaction with near and dear ones.

The first object to welcome me was by a 50 feet x 90 feet billboard right at the airport exit. Then there was another, after hardly 10 metres. The billboard frequency kept increasing along with its size. Political, commercial and NGO-sponsored messages hung from every nook and corner as I desperately tried to see how the city had changed.

Over the next few days, I found this city has become uglier by the mushrooming billboards. The green belts on the roads seemed to be lost in a background of posters selling everything from biscuits to the salvation of the soul. Our public space has been severely abused and violated in the name of money and security.

First the embassies started taking over the footpaths. Then the elite schools took over roads. The private residence of a former president living in Karachi took over most of a dual carriage road and service lanes.

Now the city authorities either out of ignorance or love of money are ruining the city. Billboards, small and large on Sharea Faisal, number in the hundreds.

I want to see the sky and trees to calm my nerves in rush hour. Instead what the poor citizens get are countless images selling lawn, shampoos and burgers.

I suggest the Karachi government should define the number and size of billboards to give this city a healthier look.

Aqeel Iftikhar

Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2014