I HAD the mischance to visit a friend who lives in a naval housing scheme at Karsaz. We understand the need for security checks at all points in such an environment.

There are scores of naval housing schemes scattered all over Karachi, and we are familiar with security arrangements there.

I have my own mother and some other relatives living in such housing schemes, but nowhere one is required to alight from the car in scorching heat, submit original CNICs and then allow oneself to be subjected to scores of questions.

With moderate restraint and keeping displeasure and annoyance in check, we passed the test and entered the premises. But the worst was kept for the end.

When it was time to get out of the housing scheme, we were asked to go right into the eye of the storm; the evening Malir traffic.

We had to drive down about two-and-a-half kilometres towards the airport, while our residence is in the exact opposite direction, in KDA Scheme No 1. Of course, we were not the only ones, for it is a rule of the management.

But why? Isn’t this extreme insanity?

The guards at the gate tried to explain politely, but by that time I was furiously ill-tempered and hyperventilated. Not that it mattered.

There is a bypass to reach Karsaz, but, due to some illogical rule, one has to go deep down the other way before being able to take a U-turn. Can anyone explain this strange and outlandish rule?

Tasneem Allibhoy Tharia
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 14th, 2021