LOCATED about 44 kilometres northwest of Larkana, Shahdadkot is one of the most neglected cities of Sindh. The city held immense importance before partition, but instead of developing over time, it has been left deprived of basic civic amenities.

The state of health, education, administration and security in Shahdadkot is deplorable. The state must provide basic health facilities to its people, as the local residents do not even have a proper functional government hospital. The one situated in the city not only lacks decent infrastructure, but also faces a shortage of doctors, equipment and medicines. This situation compels the residents to rush to Larkana for even minor medical treatment.

The education system, too, is in a dismal condition. Only a small number of schools are functional and they lack qualified teachers, while most schools exist only on paper as they are not functional. The private educational institutions take full advantage of the situation, charging exorbitant fees that cannot be afforded by everyone.

City infrastructure also paints a gloomy picture. The streets of Shahdadkot are full of garbage with overflowing gutters and broken roads. Moreover, the law and order situation is poor, as snatching of mobile phones, money and vehicles has become a norm. Shopkeepers are looted in daylight, and yet there are no arrests.

Unfortunately, despite numerous complaints and peaceful protests by the locals, the authorities concerned seem least interested in taking remedial measures. The government should resolve the issues without further delay.

Shuja Ahmed Awan
Shahdadkot

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2020