Over the last few days, Karachi has plunged into deep turmoil. Though, the city has faced numerous ups and downs, time and time again, yet, the previous and the running week has completely maligned my spirits. As Karachi-ites, it is not easy to witness the current situation. Some call it a pre-election fallout, the rest call it something else. Whatever it may be, it is brutal and inhumane to find yourself in a situation where stepping out of your house becomes questionable. Women are almost risking their life if they sneak out of their homes, even if that is to earn a living. There hasn't been a worse time in Karachi than this, ever, I suppose.
I lack in experience, age and so many other key factors that are essential to reach a conclusion; yet I feel, this city is under massive strain, torture, torment for the residents and for those who are abroad. It is unimaginable for a city to still survive keeping in view the persistent upheavals it faces day in and day out. Blasts, target killings, Shia genocide, robberies accidents at gunpoint; if this wasn't enough, gang rapes and rampant kidnappings of young, school-going girls have emerged. What has the world come to? What is happening in this country? How can such magnitudinal accidents that lead to death and devastation become so acceptable and widely known? It is inane. I'm dumbstruck.
Few years ago, we saw only our elders worrying and depressing over the disturbing affairs of the state. Today, I see everyone - from old to young, stressing and fighting for their life as they roam around the city. Overtime, the concept of 'living' in Karachi has faded. All that there is, is survival. If you survive another day, it is bliss.
For all that I care, the word 'hope' is in the air. However, this last ray of hope is also diminishing into a quicksand of despair as I see the headlines flashing with kidnapping and rape incidents. It frustrates me - when will this end? Or will this ever end?
A peaceful offing is questionable today. My heart is shedding genuine tears at the attacks that the innocent go through. Reflecting on the blast in Abbas Town, I shudder to the thought of losing my home, peace and family in a flick of fire. The blown up houses, destroyed roads, injuries, bloodshed and dead bodies quiver my spine with fear. Sadly, this does not end here. The ill has extended in other forms - rapes and gang rapes. Those who are victims of torture, rape and sexual harassment are the ones who are innocent. I can only begin to imagine the inconsequence and suffering those poor souls endure. As of now, if I begin to contemplate, I find myself incessantly bumped out. The thought alone fills me with terror, tears and fear.
The current situation of Karachi has become primal for every Pakistani today. It feels like an invincible impending doom, a race with a dead end. My energy and spirits are nosediving. Every tiny space within me is horrified beyond manifestation. With every breathe that I take, I turn to the divine providence in thankfulness and gratification.
As insignificant and unimportant my effort may be, I'm striving to make a difference that can impact the sorry lives of those who are in undue purgatory. For all I care, I'm vehement to revive my lost vigour for those who need justice and for my own betterment and safety. There is no way that I can keep my eyes dry after seeing the city turn into a slaughter house, if nothing greater. Slaughter houses are the rightful destination of those who are behind the evil; not for those whose lives are ruined at the hands of these wolves. Whoever they are, by every sense of the word, are not humans. They redefine the meaning of scoundrels to another level.
Yesterday, I thought that it is about us; today, I realise that it is about me. The waking conscience, purging emotions and exhaustive overhaul has bruised the hearts of many who fret to the constant accidents happening in Karachi.
Every miniscule of effort contributes to a healthy outcome. If you think you are too little to make an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito.
