THE recent monsoon rains, which were not as heavy as feared this year, yet again exposed the inefficiency of the system and the failure of those running the system. Dysfunctional drainage and broken roads — vanished roads, actually — have left people moving like stateless wanderers of ancient times.

According to the World Population Review, Karachi is the 12th most popu-

lated city in the world, playing host to about 17.6 million people. The infra-structure seems to be good enough to host half as many; maybe even less. It is no wonder that the city was declared the fifth worst city to live in by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Livability Index 2023.

Despite the fact that Karachi produces 50 per cent of the country’s revenue, the city is left abandoned by the stakeholders. The people of Karachi are forced to live under horrendous conditions, while power tussles continue unabated among all politicians of all shades and hues.

It is imperative that the people speak for themselves and hold the authorities concerned accountable, reminding them of their duties towards the metropolitan city. The authorities need to wake up.

Fatima Faiz
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 20th, 2024