KARACHI, Pakistan’s economic juggernaut, is the largest contributor to the nation’s tax revenue. The Federal Board of Revenue’s latest data reveals that Karachi’s Large Tax Office accounted for 30.74 per cent of the total tax collection during 2023-24, generating a staggering Rs2,522 billion. Despite this, the metropolis is a picture of neglect, suffering from chronic infrastructural decay and a lack of basic amenities. The state of Karachi’s roads is a case in point. They resemble war zones, with crater-sized potholes even on major thoroughfares, turning daily commutes into hazardous ventures. Meanwhile, public transport remains grossly inadequate for a city of over 20 million people. Residents are forced to rely on private transport, exacerbating traffic congestion and air pollution. The Green Line BRT, while operational, barely scratches the surface of the city’s mass-transit needs.

The energy crisis compounds Karachi’s woes. Gas shortages and persistent electricity loadshedding disrupt daily life, affecting households and industries alike. It’s ironic that the city that drives Pakistan’s economy is left grappling with such crippling power outages. Water scarcity is yet another pressing issue. The majority of Karachi’s residents are deprived of access to clean and sufficient water, relying on private water tankers at exorbitant rates. This basic human necessity has turned into a lucrative black market, further burdening citizens. Despite Karachi’s unparalleled contribution to the national exchequer, it continues to languish without adequate investment in its infrastructure and services. This neglect is not just unfair but counterproductive, as a deteriorating Karachi threatens to undermine the very economy it bolsters. The federal and provincial governments must urgently prioritise Karachi’s development. A city that gives so much deserves better roads, reliable utilities, and efficient public services. Investing in Karachi is not just about fairness; it is essential for Pakistan’s future growth and prosperity. Anything less would be a betrayal of its citizens and economic self-sabotage.

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2025