THE densely populated Orangi Town, comprising 13 union councils on the western fringes of Karachi is home to 7,23694 people, with 3,30386 registered voters. Out of that 13,5680 are women voters. In terms of population it is the second most populous town of the city.

The town emerged in the 1970s when the government initiated a resettlement programme for Pakistanis who had migrated to this part of the country after the emergence of Bangladesh. But over the years the ethnic demography of the town has changed and a sizeable number of migrants from upcountry has settled there. The Urdu-speakers still constitute 60 per cent of the total population of the area while Pakhtoons constitute about 18 per cent, Punjabis 10 per cent, Baloch seven per cent and Sindhis five per cent. The people of this town are politically active and industrious.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement has remained a dominant force in this area but owing to its decision to stay away from the LB elections in 2001, the Pakistan People’s Party-supported Awam Dost panel candidate Guddu Bihari became the town nazim with the highest votes recorded in that election in the country. The MQM now expects a clean sweep, though in some pockets it will get resistance from the PPP, the MMA and the Sunni Tehrik supported candidates.

The PPP is handicapped by the absence of Guddu Bihari who is under arrest and has not been released despite court orders. The deputy nazim has switched sides. Other than the MQM, local seat adjustments have been made by other parties on ethnic and biradri lines rather than civic issues and other related matters. It is still a mystery for political analysts how the Awam Dost panel, which had won only three UCs (3, 5, and 13), had managed to get the post of town nazim in 2001.

Sui gas and electricity have been provided to some katchi abadis, but supply of clean tap water in many dwellings still remains a problem. The distribution system is clogged due to neglect. The Hub dam was built mainly to cater to the needs of Baldia and Orangi, but its supply was extended to New Karachi and SITE, which has aggravated the water shortage for residents. Water has remained a major election issue besides law and order. Development work in this town suffered owing to lack of interest as well as polarization between town nazim and provincial government and there were accusations of an obstructive approach.

Orangi’s shanty dwellings, narrow winding lanes and broken neglected roads, overflowing sewers and almost daily struggles in many areas over a can of potable water, lack of adequate hospital facilities and uprooted poles, speak of years of neglect of the area by successive governments. One is amazed to see that for such a big population there is only one general hospital which also lacks adequate staff and medicines.

Despite its talented and hardworking residents, it has remained, for several years, a battleground for rival ethnic warriors. Hundreds of young and old died in ethnic frenzy and brute use of state power. Many more “migrated” to “safer” places in the city.

Many of the migrants from the former East Pakistan are angry because they are finding it difficult to obtain passports or the national identity cards.

Female votes in the constituency, especially the Pathan womenfolk, who traditionally are not allowed by their men to vote, would be crucial, especially after the MMA’s Hasba bill. Those who can convince them to break from tradition would succeed. It does not seem difficult in this town because traditionally women in the locality have played a crucial role in increasing their family’s income through small business enterprises.

According to unofficial reports, several minority candidates and many aspirants for general councillor and labour seats have already been returned unopposed.

The town has a high percentage of unemployment and even those who have low-paid jobs have to travel long distances to eke out a living. Both men and women work for survival. The crime rate is high as are grievances against the police.

UC-1 is Mominabad which has a mixed population of predominantly Baloch and Punjabis. The total population of the UC is 56,160 with 22,052 registered voters. It comprises Mominabad’s Sector 41F, Zia Colony, Mujahid Colony, Bijli Nagar, Islam Nagar, etc.

UC-2 is Haryana Colony with a population of 64,570 and 24,763 registered voters. Prominent areas include Bismillah Colony, Fakir Colony, Haryana Colony, Hazarvi Mohalla, etc. It also has a seizable population of Baloch and Punjabi people.

In Hanifabad, (UC-3) 26,099 registered voters out of a population of 54,372 would have the opportunity on Aug 18 to exercise their right to franchise. Alfalah Colony Sector 10, Hussainabad, Ghazi Nagar, Ghause Colony, Mairajunnabi Colony, Hanifabad and Afridi Colonies are some of the prominent areas of this UC.

In Muhammad Nagar, UC-4, the total population is 63,753 whereas registered voters are 27,615. It includes Sector 11-E, Muhammad Nagar, Rahim Shah Colony, Farid Colony, Afridi Colony, Faiz-i-Aam Colony etc.

In UC-5 Madina Colony, there are 58,772 people. Out of them 28,489 are registered voters. This UC includes Islamnagar, Block A, Khwaja Gharibnawaz Colony, Tauheed Colony, Sector 11« Orangi, Baba Vilayet Ali Shah, Imam Colony etc. In Ghaziabad, UC 6, there are 27,764 voters out of a population of 57,402.

Chishtinagar, UC 7 has a population of 58,582 with 28,233 registered voters. It includes Shah Waliullah, Lal Shahbaznagar, Raees Amrohi Colony, Bewa Quarters, Ittehad Colony, Yakoobabad, Mansoor Nagar, some areas of Ghaziabad, Thor Bangash, etc.

Bilal Colony, UC-8 includes sectors 14-A, B, C & D, sector 15 A, B & C. It includes Ajmer Nagar and Muslim Nagar and has a population of 64,776 with 29,952 registered voters.

UC-9 includes Islam Chowk. The population is 53,474 with 26,302 registered voters. It includes Islam Chowk’s Block G, Aziznagar, Mohammadi Colony, Shanti Colony, Ali Nagar, Abuzar Ghaffari Colony, Khalid bin Waleed Colony, Thorai Goth etc.

The population of Gabol Colony, UC-10, is 56,121 with 28,722 registered voters. It includes Orangi H & J, Ittehad Colony, Ittefaq Colony. Similarly in Datanagar, UC-11 has a population of 56,964. Here 26,477 people are registered to vote. It includes Orangi Town 7-A, B, C, D, E & F, Banaras Town Sector 9, Datanagar and Naseemabad. Mujahidabad, UC-12 with a population of 51,866 and 23,707 registered voters, include Banaras Colony, Bukhari Colony, Aligarh Colony Sector 1-A, C, 1-D & E, Sector 2-A, B, C Orangi and Mujahidabad. Baloch Goth, UC-13 is comprised of Deh Orangi and has a population of 24,882 with 10,211 registered voters.

The election campaign is focused on promises of resolving problems of the area, especially of water, and for more educational and healthcare facilities/hospitals and job opportunities.