KARACHI has one of the highest numbers of drug consumers in the world, and the Old Golimar area is the hub of this illicit trade. In connivance with government officials, the drug market in Old Golimar does a flourishing ‘trade’. Drugs are sold openly and the suppliers are provided security by those who are supposed to do otherwise.

When there are drugs, there are bound to be gang wars, and that is the unfortunate reality of the area. They fight among themselves, but join hands in ‘teaching’ a lesson to those who try to raise voice against the menace.

Recently, the drug dealers took out their modern weapons when the area residents held a protest demonstration to draw the attention of the government towards the activities of the drug mafia in the area. Ironically, when the law-enforcement personnel reached the spot, they used force against the protesters instead of the drug traffickers. It was like selling drugs is permissible, but complaining against it is illegal.

One wonders when someone senior in the city or provincial hierarchy might find the time to pay attention to such matters.

Old Golimar Residents
Karachi

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2022