Violence in Karachi — Who Owns Karachi??

City of Lights

Karachi is a metropolitan city. people from almost every major creed and religion live here. Karachi is the 19th largest city in the world. to my information it is also bigger than 3 countries and five times bigger than Singapore.It is known locally by many names such as “The City of Lights” (روشنیوںکا شہر) “City of Quaid” and “Bride of the Cities” (عروس البلاد).Karachi is ranked 3rd among the most populated cities after Shangahiand Mumbai. Thank heavens it hasn’t made to the top list of most dangerous cities of the world yet.

Karachi has a chequered history of law and order. We all know that. Major problem with a city like Karachi is no one  (political elite)is willing to own Karachi beyond the slogans. Everyone is all timeready to raise slogans like “Hamara Karachi, I Own Karachi, My Karachi,We Own Karachi” but no one has really stepped up to rescue thismetropolitan city form violent groups. Only blame games are beingplayed. They know if not today, yesterday will be theirs in power andthats why peace or no peace to this gloriously diverse city isimmaterial to them.I was being asked by many to write on Karachi, but Iwas declining till this moment just because I didn’t want to join thewordy bandwagon of ”Hamara Karachi, I Own Karachi, My Karachi, We OwnKarachi”. Today I came across a beautiful piece of poetry that remindedme of Karachi and poor Karachiites. It from the heart of some bleeding Pakistani and Karachiite. I want to share it on the blogosphere.

Jo Al’lum Guzar Rahay Hain,Meary Shehar Jal Rahay Hain,Meary Log Mar Rahay Hain,Koi Aur Tau Nahi Hai,Pss-e-Khanjar Azmai,Hami Qatal Kar Rahay Hain,Hami Qatal Ho Rahay Hain.

Another poet expresses his grief in the following words.

Ab KAhan Wo Eesaar o Akhuv’vat Madinay Jaisi?,Ab Tau Musalman Ko Musalman Sy Dar Lgta Hai.

But allthese grievances and groveling fell flat on these politiciansand bureaucrats in power. It seems these politicians have either becomesenseless, deaf and dumb or they are abetting equally inthis heinous game of bloodshed. The people of Karachi are also equallyresponsible of their state of misery. In the words a poet;

Humain Kahbar Hai Lutairon Kay Sab Thikano Ki,Shareek e Jurm Na Hotay tau Mukhbari Krtay.

Cross Posted @ MEY