THERE are two subjects which have been covered extensively by the media for quite some time. One is ‘the rehabilitation and betterment of Karachi’, and the other is ‘corruption and money laundering’.

The challenges for addressing the pathetic condition of Karachi need not be listed here as these are very well known, even to the street beggars. Those who are responsible for taking corrective action are unmoved despite several assurances given from time to time in press conferences and talk-shows.

Now, the million dollar question arises. Why should those who are responsible for addressing the issues of Karachi take corrective action? Are they ‘really’ stakeholders of Karachi’s affairs?

Most leaders of the ruling party who are at the helm of affairs do not have any ‘stakes’ in Karachi. Their financial stake is confined to their investments made in the properties/projects located in Karachi, whereas their electoral interests lie in the constituencies they belong to.

Whether Karachi is developed or completely neglected, they are not concerned because in any case they would always be elected from their traditional constituencies. Those whose electoral constituencies lie in Karachi are the true and real stakeholders of Karachi’s affairs.

In the past many committees were formed but all of them remained ineffective. The ruling party in power was always interested in having the administrative and financial controls. Those at the helm today are only interested in the Rs 162 billion promised by the prime minister.

Since the formation of committees to bring improvement in Karachi failed miserably in the past, it is time a different solution was exercised this time.

S. Zaki Hasan
Karachi

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2020