DESPITE repeated claims of federal and provincial governments as well as national institutions about launching of programmes, projects and campaigns to alleviate sufferings of Karachiites, there is yet no worthwhile progress towards that end and miseries of the people are increasing with the passage of every day. The situation has taken a worse turn as record breaking rains played havoc with the city claiming life of at least five people and severing road access to entire localities. There have been large-scale property losses besides suspension of power to most of the areas.
There have also been incessant rains in other parts of the province as well where loss of lives, property and disruption of normal life has been reported prompting Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to declare rain emergency in the province. Sindh government has cancelled leaves of government employees and directed the relief agencies, including the Provincial Disaster Management Authority and Relief Commissioner, to immediately start relief and rehabilitation work. However, the situation in Karachi is particularly worrisome because of concentration of population and critical relevance of the city to the national economy. Recent developments and moves indicated greater realization among the authorities and institutions concerned to take measures to improve conditions in the metropolis. However, given the enormity of the challenges confronting people of Karachi these moves have so far brought no relief to the citizens. It is also regrettable that instead of joining hands to mitigate woes of the people, major political forces of the province are engaged in blame-game and K-Electric prefers running a media campaign apparently to pressurize the Government for undue benefits while continuing with the policy of doing nothing substantial to increase power generation or improve distribution system. Karachi would continue to suffer for an indefinite period if no concrete planning was done to resolve its real problems especially disposal of solid waste, drainage system, power system, traffic mess and pressure on infrastructure.
