MANY people are asking why Karachi voted overwhelmingly for Imran Khan, when the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf did not canvas very hard for votes in the city. I have an explanation.

As a four-year-old I migrated with my parents who opted for Pakistan in 1947. I grew up in Karachi, a wonderful city. I was educated here from school, college and then University in Karachi, which was then a haven for academics. I loved — and still do — this city and wanted t o see it as among the best cities of the world.

The people who left their hearths and homes in India for this new land were the real Pakistanis as they left behind the graves of their forefathers and everything else. The rest opened their eyes on the morning of Independence and became Pakistanis overnight.

As time passed, things began to change for the worse. The loss of merit in our education and employment sectors gave rise to ethnic-based preference and thereafter tensions. Our political parties were mostly responsible for this state of affairs. They appealed to baser instincts to get votes on ethnic basis.

Pakistan transformed from a nation into communities that were Bengali, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pakhtun, Baloch and other ethnic groups. They were joined by the founders of All Pakistan Mohajir Students Organisation (APMSO) which later became the MQM, and another ethnic group came into being.

The MQM was never a mainstream party, but the people who opted for Pakistan from India, and had settled in urban Sindh were left with no choice as they were treated like outsiders and felt marginalised. Their grouse has merit as 71 years later the third generation born here are still made to feel like they are aliens in their own land.

As to why Karachiites voted for the PTI. Two reasons: they realised the MQM had not delivered despite being returned repeatedly to the assemblies. And 2) they feel the PTI leader has always spoken of Pakistan and all citizens being equal, with justice for all.

Karachi has nothing to lose by exercising this option, they have tried the others. One wishes him luck and prays that he leads Pakistan to loftier heights. Pakistan Zindabad!

Nusrat Saeed

Ajman, UAE

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2018