Karachi Metblogs » kar_sabaj

Stop the Inflation - Please!

kar_sabaj — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 05:36:28 +0000

If the middle class disappears then so does your morality.
Stop this inflation because it is pushing more people to the lower income group and simply squeezing out your middle classes.

Apart from the obvious of how if people do not have enough to eat, they will break the rules and morality will be thrown out the window, also with this inflation comes the lack of education and health care we all know this but if the very soldiers of your morality are gone, your middle classes then where / what is this nation standing on? The world over the middle classes have been regarded the upholders of the ethical / morality because its always considered ok by the poorer classes to let go of that concept in search of their basic needs or due to lack of knowledge.
The upper / richer classes tend to think they are above it all, just like an atheist may think religion is for the weak minded because he “knows” the truth and about doing the right thing without a greater force’s name / ritual. In many cultures the rich are “above the law” so that just leaves our middle classes to upload your moral structure. The middle class is usually also the biggest demographic in a stable society so it determines the moral strength of the nation.
Now we are seeing a shrink in the middle class belt here. Thus, there goes the (moral) neighborhood.
As in the Dawn a few days ago: “Life a diet of Hope” by Meera Jamal, the fate discussed there is the fate of many. Why should this be happening in a country that claims to be seeing an 8% economic growth? (Of course when you remove the expenditure of the nation from the equation things can look rosy).
Anyway there is the element of non tangible expenditure. Our nation sees growing kids both their sheer numbers and their actual growth is a cause for concern. Their lack of nutrition, their lack of education and more importantly health care…. What good is this population when it will just feed off your resources and not contribute back? If we live like we drive, with blinders on, there is little hope. However we CAN do… those of us with the resources, just reading here means you can read, thus you can teach another human to read etc. etc. There is no need to preach here as there are ample avenues where each of us can help.

Back to the point; we have to address this rising inflation. It’s because we all grudgingly pay the inflated prices that these continue to rise unchecked. I know it’s easier said than done to boycott I mean. This only increases the trial of our daily grind. Inflation is a worldwide problem but when we see so many citizens by the roadsides and also, we see that making ends meet for the majority of the urban population is becoming harder and harder then the subsequent problems of even more crime and intolerance are close to follow.

Please for the sake of the overall stability of this nation, suggest some options to battle inflation.

Traffic Police - not to blame…..

kar_sabaj — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 15:22:52 +0000

The traffic police though appears ineffectual in itself, (because our dear citizens do not listen to them, even when the policemen risk their lives and come throw themselves in front of the cars) is trying to solve the citizens’ overwhelming traffic problems.

On more than one occasion I have seen major intersections manned by three to five policemen at a time and no that is not to cause confusion, but to give strength to their force. They have been working in unison to get the traffic flowing smoothly through (on occasion even opening up traffic on the side with the ambulance). Now if we could only get the people in those cars to listen to them.

One could argue that if the people do not follow the policemen’s instructions, then what good is this force? Well, the policemen’s intentions are quite clear and they do appear to be having some effect. It’s a game that must be played by both parties and the car drivers know that the policemen are hindered by their lack of resources (as very few are chased down by the police when they break the traffic rules) but overall I have learned to appreciate the traffic police of the city.

What the people are doing is something else entirely. Also the traffic policemen being able to co ordinate with walkie talkies to see the state of the next intersection is great as then there is some “thought” behind their decisions.
So all those who are quick to blame the “system” there is progress in the system, it comes back to how each of us needs to do our own part too.

The planners can still be blamed though because when you have to post policemen at the base of a fly over bridge, then clearly there is something amiss!!!

Technology: friend or foe?

kar_sabaj — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 18:50:55 +0000

It is said that we have an overall turn towards materialism, consumerism as a race and that may be why we as a race appear so cruel and selfish nowadays, seemingly less tolerant. The generations before us may have been no better (probably crueler when you look at human torture, but I wonder if on the day to day interaction level, were they more group oriented than we are today?) I wondered if the new “communications media” were partly responsible for it too. I mean we all say how video games and TV are desensitizing our children but in addition, can we blame our friend the Internet?

With SMS / Chat/ email and blogs our communications may be faster and you can reach a wider audience but there is little or no dissension. People may disagree but when one sends out an email or an sms, one can get the feeling that “I have said it… it is done, it must be correct” as there is no immediate argument. When (and if) you do receive a response it appears in the same format which appears a little less “real” and so may matter little to our psyche. Consider chatting for instance, or posting comments on blogs, you feel less inhibited to post your thoughts as the person at the other end is not really in front of you so you feel bold enough to say what you will. This false confidence could generate the boldness to think you are right in whatever you do. Also, once your thoughts are out there in sms you really do not know the person’s reaction and so can be quite smug in thinking whatever you said was correct or agreed with.

Basically all I wondered was if these avenues of communications were giving us false confidence into believing whatever we say or think is correct? Not seeing a “real” negative response to your thoughts may be making us bolder unnecessarily. Perhaps that is why the “me-ness” of a generation is so strong today. Perhaps this is why we may start to think our acts of inconsideration are ok. I know people throughout history have shown inconsideration but not in so many numbers (yes yes I know we have a larger world population now) but also, the elements of shame, guilt and remorse are missing now. That is what is truly alarming (to me at least). You will see people boldly speak of their misdeeds,
1. not recognizing that what they may be doing is incorrect for society
2. not really feeling any remorse once its been pointed out to them.

Also, this instant access to information and instant gratification through the Internet is making us less patient as a race. With SMS technology you can be in constant touch, but then you are gearing yourself for instant gratification and developing patience is overlooked entirely. This of course leads to a lot of crime and dissatisfaction when people feel they have a right to something and the right to it NOW. Technology may be good for the human condition in that we can address a lot more people’s concerns in less time and as far as treatments are concerned but is it good for the human in us? Just a thought, feel free to comment and disagree!!

Our traffic, the defining line

kar_sabaj — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 14:08:50 +0000

For all the people who honk at others, at a red light, basically trying to get them to move ….all I can say is… you all show your crassness. For those who do not stop at red lights in Karachi, clearly you are just a wee bit of a “lesser” human being.

I will take greater pride in following the traffic rules only because that separates me from the herd. It no longer matters whether you are “educated” or drive big fancy cars…. You show yourself to be human being less worthy of respect simply because you fail to show respect to the laws of the land, and to the safety of your fellow humans. Each time, I come across one of you, I will smile as that will just make me “better” than one more human on earth, and as the goal is to elevate yourself and grow, I will be closer to that goal. So carry on - all you who think you are above the law, each time you act like this, you only put the rest of us in more exclusive company.

I was taught that no one is lesser or greater or that arrogance is a bad thing, but today I throw all that aside…
There is a new reason to feel “smug” and elitist now. The separation is simply those who follow the traffic rules and those who do not. Forget education, money, fame, family backgrounds or professional stature etc. those are all secondary, just showing respect to your fellow humans is reason enough to separate one from another and these days in Karachi people stopping at red lights is such a rare sight, that it’s a very small exclusive elitist club now. Following traffic rules shows your outlook towards humanity in general and it’s all too clear - people in Karachi DO NOT CARE ABOUT THEIR FELLOW HUMANS. The roads are the one place everyone from all the different backgrounds etc. all come together and you can just see how sad that mix turns out to be.

Privacy in Karachi

kar_sabaj — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 23:56:01 +0000

I am overwhelmed with the lack of privacy and the overwhelming presumptions that exist in our culture. Yes, its has been discussed, how we cannot mind our own business, TV shows and books speak of the gossiping neighbors as an arch type that we all must bear, but why? Why can’t people mind their own business? Do they gain anything at all? A wise man once said “small minds discuss people, big minds discuss events and great minds discuss ideas, genius act silently”. Have we lost all semblance of greatness? We are a bunch of childish grown ups who feel compelled to focus and comment on the person rather than the idea being presented. Is this why we are lagging behind in the race to just be human?

Coming back to my peeve, the lack of privacy… when applying for a bank card here, you are usually asked for your mother’s maiden name. This is a Western idea of security as women usually take on the name of their husbands after marriage and so someone may not know your mother’s maiden name (surname) if they have met you as an adult and so may not be a security threat to you. Recently, when I filled my form for such a bank card, not only could I NOT seal the form, the office admin person actually looked at the form and asked why I had not given my mother’s complete name! The one “secure” question is not only open for all to see it’s also open to scrutiny! (Also the distance between cars is so minimal I do feel violated sometimes just by the sheer lack of distance between my car and my “lane mate’s”! - I say lane mate’s because of course we are so keen on sharing that people feel compelled to “share” my lane with me, no “one lane one car” rule here! Also, before someone starts off with how there are too many cars and not enough space, yes there are, but if you drive BEHIND one another, you will still get to your destination, it will just take a little longer). I digress but I heard how a foreign delegate once said about us Karachi-ites that we are a people going no where in a hurry!! Let that be food for thought, especially at a time when we are supposed to be practicing self restraint and control, during Ramadan.

Also, this idea of asking about people’s salary when was that deemed as ok? It’s not ok to say we are a very close knit society and its ok to share this stuff. No. These are unsaid rules that were once considered a lack of breeding and grooming. Why is everything that we do wrong considered ok now? These are small day to day peeves that I mention here. I am not touching on the big topics like justice for all, irrespective of financial background, that is a quagmire I am not sure I am capable of handling here, but there is a genuine lack of upbringing in our people and it’s time we start acting educated. Even if we did not practice such things earlier, we can change still, (that is the human condition) it may not be too late for us as yet .

Aunty Ainee : A Homage

kar_sabaj — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 17:29:14 +0000

The Second Floor (coffeehouse) held a gathering on site, yesterday to pay homage to Qurat-ul-ain Haider, the renowned novelist.
Apart from the video of an interview with her, certain members of the audience shared their personal stories of the great writer. Certain attendees were asked to read excerpts of her works but it was suggested that each of us read the works ourselves as that would be better than just whetting our appetites. Still, a poem was read out, written in her honour.

It is stated often, that she wrote high brow novels and has been actively critiqued for writing Urdu novels with English thrown in. This alone is not a measure of her work. When she was once asked why she includes English in her works, she is known to have replied : “kiyoun kay meree Urdu kumzoor hai”!

Her works include “Aag ka Durya” which was termed as “ahead of its time” and heralded as a “different” novel, being compared to “Orlando”.

All in all it was an intimate affair and the family stories which shed light on Qurat-ul-ain Haider’s sharp wit, quick humor and insightfulness made the evening worthwhile.

Phone snatching - can we beat it?

kar_sabaj — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 20:16:50 +0000

This is a just a thought…sprung from something that was posted here last week. Yes, we have phone snatchers in town. I wondered if we could apply the “demand - supply” rule and see if we can address the market (by making it smaller) for these stolen phones so perhaps we can limit the crime.

Now I know not everyone is bestowed with boundless bounty and most people want to purchase the cheapest good quality item there is… but if we buy the cheaper “second handle” mobile phones in the market, are we creating a market for these thieves to operate in?

I know I do not have a very large disposable income and if/ when (because in Karachi its just a matter of time when this happens) someone were to take away my cell phone, I doubt I would want to buy a spanking new device, after just having lost one, I would want to buy the cheapest one (and perferably one I would not mind losing again)…. BUT if this cycle of us buying the cheaper “second hand” models is what inspires the thieves, should we consider changing our buying habits? (I have not bought such a device as yet but I wonder)

Some folks in the city cannot afford the brand new phones but have the need for the cellular phone so I guess there will always be a market for “second hand” phones, but I wonder if those of us who can afford to purchase the new sealed models, would? For those of us who can afford to buy the new device (even if its an older, less “cool” model) would we? By purchasing sealed goods, couldn’t we ensure that stolen items are removed or reduced from the market? If we reduce the demand for these stolen goods perhaps the thieves will have to move on?

I know there was some talk of mobile phone companies being able to restrict the phone usage or some such thing (if it were stolen) but I am not sure what that was all about.

This is just a thought…. perhaps people out there have some suggestions
(and no I do not work for a cell phone manufacturing or a mobile phone selling retail outlet!)

Trite and cliched but needs to be re-stated again and again

kar_sabaj — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 21:28:14 +0000

With this attitude of “This is Pakistan yahaan pur aisa hee hota hai….” we can go no where. How can you complain of a bad situation when we are hell bent on keeping this bad attitude. We all claim “it’s not my fault” none of us are willing to take responsibility and yet, things are becoming worse. If no one does anything wrong here then where is this mysterious ill coming from?

When we all complain about the infrastructure its because the progress of this city’s people is at stake. When we have the infrastructure people can concentrate on things like development and progress and social work. These two things, people’s progress and the infrastructure are tied to each other. The infrastructure changes so do the people’s attitudes, and vise versa. The snowball effect of growing (as humans) is aided by well structured cities and societies.

Saying “it’s been said before or that we all know all this… is not enough”. If it’s not being implemented then there is something wrong somewhere. We need to keep saying it until people act upon the change. When growing up we were told the same thing over and over again until it became part of our routine. If people display poor civic sense the correction has to be repeated.

They used to teach civics at school; now the only civics at schools are the cars that pick up the kids.

Some say the key is educating our women. Our future mothers so that they can teach the next generation. This generation of adults and young adults do no wrong as is clear from the lack of responsibility and accountability we see amongst us all.

There are a lot of them (educated folks) in the urban areas but if they still say… you do the wrong thing (and yes it does happen) it does not matter how much education (degrees) we give our folks. A lot people we see are literate (and by that I mean they can read and write, some may even have attended college, some even have access to the Worldwide web but if they show no culture, tehzeeb, tameez and compassion then they should be considered uneducated.

I think its everyone’s observation. Each of us calls the other Jahil at some time or another but honestly, what goes around comes around. So again, if we just check ourselves, the only ones we have any control over , we have a chance, else the people of Karachi can fight evolutionary battles and cease to even exist. Sometimes, getting rid of a bad seed is just as well, it helps the overall progress of the species. If we Karachi-ites are that bad seed, then perhaps humanity will be better off without us.

BUT this can change.

Simple easy steps. Like that episode of Seinfeld where George decides to do the opposite of his own instinct, and is thus successful, each time we want to do something, lets just weigh the options and do the opposite of our instinct! When cutting in line lets just check ourselves. Clearly the people standing in line have been there for some time, are also there for the same purpose. What makes you so special?

When we accommodate each other abroad, why then can’t we do it here? We Have ALL said this at one time or another, that Pakistanis suck here and they behave fine when they are abroad…. why? Do we not love this country?

Look, we each know all this, but when we do not implement this, it means nothing. We cannot look into each other’s minds (we are not living in “1984″ and thought crime cannot be prevented or committed) and as such we cannot say that “here is someone who is good, but Karachi has made him behave this way”… we each judge each other by what we see and if we only see ill, then it does not matter what your intention was…. its the action that counts.
Means DO NOT JUSTIFY THE END.
THE SMALLEST GOOD DEED IS BETTER THAN THE GRANDEST INTENTION.

We have all heard this. When we behave badly in public, we are going to be judged by that (by others) not by what we each think inside.

Our Eastern cultures were known for the greater good group theory that you sacrifice oneself for the over all group betterment. Where is that today? We appear to be the poster children for the “me generation”.

Tragic day.

kar_sabaj — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 17:59:35 +0000

Does a Karachi life mean less to the powers that be and to its own people? We already see that people in Karachi having grown up in / around or being affected by gun culture, can so easily speak about killing another human being. Now the latest is this tragedy. A bridge collapses in 25 days since its inauguration.

25 days.

Why do our people, construction folks and engineers feel its ‘ok’ to create sub standard structures? Are Karachi people that low on the priority scale that losing Karachi lives is acceptable?

25 days?

How poor must the construction have been? How poorly can you think of your brethrens that you sell weak/diluted cement and insufficiently strengthened steel structures or simply create a bad design?

To complain about the folks who may have built sub standard bridges is one thing, but why does our gawking public have to thrust their way into every situation? If you are not on the search and rescue squad do not hinder their progress. Keep away like the authorities were asking you to. How many lives must have been affected by the delays caused by the chaotic crowds? These are full grown adults. Staring into cameras. Hindering the progress of the rescue operation. Not helping anyone. Are they “agents” wanting to sabotage rescue operations? It’s not a lack of “education”, it’s a lack of humanity. If you cannot help, allow passage to those who can. We all contribute to Karachi lives meaning less and less.

Tragedies here are sadder. They mean more because in other areas around the world, people’s humanity, their desire to help their fellow humans, irrespective of their backgrounds, becomes apparent at such times. Here we see godlessness. No one wants to help and those who are trying to, are hindered due to the lack of caring by the bystanders. If you can’t help, at least allow those who are wanting to. This same mentality is apparent in everything we do. If someone has a new idea, its shot down and labeled as “this is Pakistan, things happen differently here” meaning let things get from bad to worse, no one is interested in improving things around here.

Why do our people want to lag behind? Even comparing ourselves to the rest of Urban Pakistan is becoming a joke. People visiting from Lahore categorically feel they live in a better city (going so far as to saying they are in a first world city, while Karachi lags behind in the third world), as far as daily issues and infrastructure are concerned.

As a city we are becoming crippled mentally. Do we WANT to lag behind? I have been proud of Karachi and Karachi-ites for their spirit but if your fellow citizen means less everyday, should one be proud of the Karachi Mentality?

Traffic:Three Things

kar_sabaj — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 00:21:04 +0000

1.Two things cannot occupy the same space. If you see a car travelling in a particular traffic lane, your car cannot coexist in that lane, with that car at the same time. Please do not try and squeeze that car. Metal will not “squish” to accommodate your car.

2.Inching your car, when stopped at a red light, will not make the light turn green any faster. Please stay where you are, you only block the path for the other cars going across or incoming traffic (when turning right).

3.The steering wheel was created as such so that humans could control the car. Do not allow your car to “drift” from one lane to another. If you want to change lanes, indicate, check behind you and then change lanes. Let it be a definite decision. Such opinionated people here in Karachi, decision making should come easily to them all. Allowing your car to sway from one half lane to the other shows the driver as weak-minded and unable to control the car.