THE service lane along the Abdul Sattar Edhi Avenue (main Seaview Road) near Phase 8 in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area has been in a severely damaged state for the last several months. Large potholes and lengthy patches of uneven surface make it extremely dangerous for commuters. There has been no visible effort to repair or even an attempt to address the issue at least temporarily.

The situation becomes particularly hazardous at night due to the absence of proper streetlighting along the lane. While the main road is illuminated, this adjacent lane remains poorly lit, significantly increasing the risk of road accidents. Motorcyclists, especially those without functional headlights, are particularly vulnerable.

What is most concerning is the apparent neglect despite the frequent movement of DHA officials and vehicles through this area. The task of basic infrastructure maintenance, such as safe road conditions, should not be overlooked, especially in a locality like DHA where residents already face multiple civic challenges, including missing manhole covers, sewage overflow and inconsistent water supply.

AKK
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2026