Is Karachi run by humans, or some other kind of creature? This isn’t just a question anymore. It’s a painful thought in the hearts of millions. Our Karachi was the City of Lights. Now, it’s a city of ruins, broken roads, and illegal buildings. Why is this happening? Do the people in charge even see us as human beings? Or are we just numbers to them in a big game of bribes?
Almost every government office in Sindh is a picture of corruption. It’s like a wild animal that no one can stop. Look at the Board of Revenue or the offices where they register land. Nothing moves without money. Look at KDA or the Food Authority. They are all the same. Whether it’s the departments for schools, health, or even the police, everyone is busy filling their pockets. People say the Sindh government made a system where every big job has a price tag. Officers pay millions of rupees to get a seat. Then they rob the public to make that money back. All a poor person can do is sigh and say, “God will settle the score with you in the end.”
Today, let’s talk about the biggest money maker: the Sindh Building Control Authority. Some call it the “golden child” of the government because it brings in the most cash. They don’t care if the whole city is destroyed. In the last ten years, they let about 85,000 illegal buildings go up in Karachi. Some say this department sends 10 to 12 billion rupees in bribes to the top every single month.
Think about the 15 people who died in Soldier Bazar when a building collapsed. That wasn’t just an accident. It was murder caused by greed. When buildings are made with cheap cement and the maps are passed with bribes, people die. Look at Gul Plaza. They took away the parking space to build 200 shops because the builders paid off the officers. The law says you must have parking and fire safety. But in reality, big plazas are built on small house plots. They get permission for two floors but build eight instead.
The worst part is that the courts and committees meant to stop this are a joke. If a normal citizen goes to court to complain, they are told, “You can’t file this case. Only the department can sue itself.” It’s like asking a thief to go to the police and arrest himself. I have taken one of these cases to the High Court myself. I really hope the truth wins this time.
Karachi is in a place where big earthquakes can happen. If one hits, these weak buildings will fall like houses made of paper. Our water and gutter problems are also because of these illegal buildings. When will the powerful people stop watching this like a show? How long will mothers be scared to send their kids to school? This isn’t just about money anymore. It’s about our lives. If we don’t fix this now, the ruins of tomorrow will be because of our silence today.
Karachi is still asking: Is this city run by humans or something else?
