THE sufferings of commuters in Karachi are not likely to end anytime soon. The Sindh government had recently given a categorical assurance on national media that reconstruction of the much-delayed University Road will be completed by Sept 15. However, the date passed without much happening. Seeing the slow pace of work, it appears that the project may take another two years to complete, if not more. Our politicians surely think that making false promises is not a crime and that they can get away with it. And they appear to be right because there is no law barring politicians from making false promises.

Karachi contributes a massive share of resources to both the federal and provincial kitties, but continues to suffer. It proves just how incompetent the government is. It also underscores the depth of the government’s underperformance across Sindh as the province is struggling with illiteracy, unemployment and poverty, and people flock to Karachi from all across Sindh looking for sustenance, putting another strain on its infrastructure.

Shaista Anwar Kirmani
Karachi

Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2026