KARACHI, also known as the ‘city of lights’, is an absolute case of political mismanagement, which has worsened over the years. From illegal construction and encroachments to damaged roads and heaps of garbage, everything appears to be out of control.

Both the federal and provincial governments have failed to provide immediate relief to the people of Karachi owing to their sheer negligence and incompetence. The crucial mega projects, which were expected to be launched for the revival and beautification of the city, have been delayed for unknown reasons.

The transport system in the city has been dysfunctional for the last so many decades. Public vehicles in poor condition along with donkey carts, tractor trolleys and water tankers create absolute mayhem on the already damaged roads.

The water tankers on roads during peak hours create traffic jams, while their leaking water further deteriorates the traffic condition, making roads dangerous for motorcyclists. As an aside, the tankers make one think that while the government claims to have enough water in the dams after the recent rains, why there is water scarcity and why the government fails to control the water tanker mafia in Karachi.

The three-wheeler loading vehicles, mostly driven by underage drivers, have made matters worse. These unsafe vehicles are used for loading, shifting of garbage and transportation of public, yet they are not being checked and fined by the traffic police.

Among other problems, an important factor is poor traffic management and implementation of rules. Outdated traffic management methods are used to regulate the crazy vehicular traffic in the metropolis. Those who violate traffic rules pay hefty challans and are allowed to go.

The government should confiscate the vehicles of habitual traffic violators and cancel their driving licences to overcome traffic issues.

Shoaib Akhter
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2020