The state of Karachi's infrastructure and governance has been a cause for concern over the past decade. Issues ranging from poor planning to ineffective governance are evident across the city, from upscale to suburban areas. Despite court interventions, illegal construction persists, highlighting failures within town planning and building control authorities. Broken roads, overflowing sewage, and overcrowded streets paint a picture of neglect and poor urban planning. The lack of proper road networks exacerbates the problem. Insufficient attention from the municipal authorities leads to overflowing sewage and neglected public spaces.
While some areas receive facelifts, others are left to deteriorate under the influence of builder mafias. Residents' apathy towards cleanliness arguably adds to the problem, with garbage piles becoming a common sight in many neighborhoods. Meanwhile, municipal authorities are preoccupied with trivial matters like party flags rather than addressing pressing issues. Despite the existence of a master plan for Karachi, implementation remains elusive.
Syed M Hasan Baqar Rizvi
Karachi