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THERE is an ongoing heated debate centred on the need, or otherwise, of enacting a new constitutional construct for Karachi. The tone of the debate is mostly political, rooted in the never-ending power- and resource-sharing conflicts between the federation and provinces. As always, these political contestations lack focus on what really ails this city.
Karachi presently stands out as the antithesis of a liveable city. Sprawling endlessly, automobile-dependent, with half the population living in slums, and rapidly losing its green cover — this is the current state of urban affairs. However, arguments over the city’s plight, despite being confrontational, can, if properly channelled, offer a much-needed opportunity to forge a multi-stakeholder conversation around real issues.
There are some critical prerequisites meriting attention prior to initiating any master planning or development. To begin with, in a city where even the population figures are disputed, there is an urgent need to transparently document the city, thoroughly and consistently. This can lead to the creation of centralised databanks at appropriate levels of city governance, accessible to common citizens.
