By Muhammad Azfar Ahsan
March 4, 2013
Mujhey koi achee khabar sona, meray khush nazar, meray khush bayan,
Meree kashtian hain bhanwar bhanwar, meree bastian hain dhuan dhuan…..
(Amjad Islam Amjad)
Karachi is no more the city of lights! I would have felt guilty by making such a blunt statement if only I knew that my friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances are sensitive to it. The bitter yet unfortunate truth is that with the massacre that happens in every street, with the lawlessness that prevails here on a more permanent basis now and with the shameful “eyes wide shut” attitude from the so called establishment has left each one of us with no sentiments to get hurt on such remarks.
Karachi – the city of lights has turned into Karachi – the miserable. I am deeply shocked and sad to see what has happened on third of March in Karachi. It is a colossal tragedy of unmanageable proportions. When I first saw these horrific images on the television, a shudder ran through my spine recollecting that I crossed this area one day before the incident.
The series of incidents in Karachi besides highlighted monumental security lapses across the country also raised questions about inefficiency and honesty of the rulers. The Government of Sindh, like Nero of Rome, was playing the flute at Mohatta Palace when dozens of innocent victims were seeking their help. Death toll was over 45 die, and more than 150 got injured in Karachi blast. Massive explosion in Abbas Town destroys 170 residential apartments and 70 shops but hundreds of soldiers of Sindh Police and FC were deputed to protect the VIPs of this country at Mohatta Palace. My friend Syed Veqar ul Islam said:
“500K to 1 million is the current rate for bomb blast victims. Zero for target killed. Looking for more buyers as value of human life has been reduced to Zero’s and One’s. Complete apathy of people, state, justice system. Let us keep selling these dead bodies for dime a dozen and keep enjoying the fruits of voting people who are the biggest traitors this country has ever seen. I am sure we will all go out and vote for these killers again for we want to get our fair price for our lives too.”
Abbas Town’s blast not only exposed the security lapse but also raised questions on the interest and commitment at the high officials of the government whose negligence left Karachi burned down again. According to well-placed sources, Karachi battles against organized criminal gangs with only 11,000 policemen. Almost 50% of the sanctioned strength is deployed for security of VIPs in Karachi.
My friend Abbas Hasan, the resident of Abbas Town rightly said that “I feel like slapping the government on the face for immediately announcing (never-to-see) financial compensation for Abbas Town victims. Elected leaders we all want to live, not compensation for your misdeed that may result in a death”.
The series of bomb blasts, target-killings, kidnapping for ransom to street and round the clock street crimes, is badly affecting Pakistan’s economy. It was also a big blow for foreign investment in the country, as foreigners would feel more insecure to invest in Pakistan. The economy was already in deep trouble as all macro-economic indicators were showing negative trend and country direly needed foreign investment to cope with the current economic challenges for which business friendly, peaceful and secure environment was essential. But bombing and other acts of terrorism would deter the foreign investors from coming to Pakistan, which would further weaken our economy.
I urge the President, incoming caretaker Prime Minister, Chief Justice of Supreme Court, Chief Justice of High Court of Sindh and Chief of Army Staff that they should build up a consensus by involving all political parties and other stakeholders to make a comprehensive and home-grown strategy to deal with the menace of bombing and other acts of terrorism on priority basis. There is a need of political will to resolve this issue without any further delay. I urge the rulers and political parties that public holiday and strike after any incident is not the solution. Closure of business is not only a disaster for daily wagers or labors but for the mid to large size industries. The dilemma is that educational institutes are facing critical challenges because two to three holidays almost every week.
The citizens of Karachi are going through a testing time along with this tragic situation. After 4,000 plus killings in 2011 and 2012 and almost 470 killings in first 65 days of 2013 now citizens of Karachi are in panic. They are mentally disturbed instead of spending a normal life. Rising number of killings and kidnapping is alarming. Now kidnapping is not restricted for the elite but middle class of Karachi is also facing this issue. I am personally aware about few close friends from middle class who were kidnapped because of ransom in last few months. Criminals and mafias are openly operating this business in Karachi and police and agencies are unable to counter these criminals.
I urge citizens of Karachi that in the coming elections they must cast their vote only and only for good candidates instead of looters or terrorists. They are responsible for the betterment of this CITY OF LIGHTS or FINANCIAL CAPITAL OF PAKISTAN. Their vote is the biggest power. I strongly feel that the citizens of Karachi will change the game if they will trust on their vote.
May Allah give us all Hidaya to shun revenge and instead value human life – It is definitely not ours to snuff out that which Allah has created.
If I could weave my words…
In a laurel for each feat…
And for every act of courage…
I could place a gilded leaf…
If for every silent offering…
You gave in sacrifice…
A wreath of honor…
Could be made…
It never would suffice…
It could never match the gift…
You gave with strength and grace…
Or the depth of your commitment…
For the freedom we embrace…
If I could weave these words…
In an honored, golden wreath…
I’d add each leaf in reverence…
Then I’d lay it at your feet…
(Sharon Frye, Memorial Day 2007)
The writer is change activist, entrepreneur and political analyst.
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