ship-shaping it along
This past year and half in karachi has been in labour- and all of us have suffered, some like patient mothers, breathing deeply in an effort to get the day over with and others like impatient fathers, slamming it down, not understanding the growth process which must take place for the miracle to happen. Along with the angry rioting crowds I have bashed and trashed Karachi to my hearts content in the privacy of my head but my public approach has always been staunchly positive, awaiting the Big Change, as we know it will happen, eventually, if we hold our breath long enough. On Monday-Much-Needed-Labour-Day-Holiday, as I was being driven to some place or the other, I suddenly tuned in to the many changes we have seen happen over the last many months- roads which have suddenly taken shape (creating traffic issues somewhere else), walls which have suddenly cropped up (blocking the sea stretch on the drive along) and diversions which have suddenly been created (to manage the insane bottlenecks that this constant construction has caused). And I realized that somewhere along the line, maybe not exactly how we would have wanted it but slowly, surely Karachi is finally taking shape.
Are ther any plans for subway (underground) or overhead light rail transit in Karachi? I see it’s the only way to solve traffic problem there.
Calling All Karachi Metro Bloggers
Hey why no one is addressing issues like these
http://www.dawn.com/2006/05/02/local1.htm
http://www.dawn.com/2006/05/02/local4.htm
Very well written!
I would like to see some more photography of this development if somebody can post em here or on flickr.com
Regular Project & Development Updates on this Forum http://www.skyscrapercity.com/forumdisplay.php?f=525
Karachi is no doubt being resurected and it deserves this attention fully! I remember when they started making under-passes on the Canal Rd in Lahore, the detours and the traffic was a nightmare (not that it’s any different now)! But at the end of the day, the effort and the patience paid off really well. Karachi has no doubt one of the worst traffic issues in the country. Revamping the roads network and under-passes would surely help to ease the load.
And yes, there are definite plans to iniate a subway system not only in Karach but in Lahore as well.
huma- there is to be a mass transit system in place by 2007 its said- lets wait and see. if anyone has more info welcome.
and i think (i speak for myself atleast) that metrobloggers write about stuff they have immediately interacted with and felt something pertinenet to or are interested in. if we started simply reporting- then we would be any other news site. im sure the “repercussions” of the education deptts moves will be felt somewhere along the line and then you can be sure to read about it on metroblog khi!! :) keep visiting :D
Reconstruction helps if done with a plan. Failing to plan is planning to fail.
well said Fauzan. Although a mess now to reckon with but I hope only after timely completion of these mega projects people will see results.
And yes Karachi, Lahore, Pindi/Islamabad and Peshawar they all need subways/elevated trains. We also need to get rid of polluting buses, mini-buses, rickshaws etc ASAP.
We’ve been hearing of the subway or light rail system for several years. Has anyone heard anything beyond the rhetoric ?
And when is Lyari expressway going to be completed ? Any idea ?
I have heard that MoU has been signed for the Light Railway system (I have full details of the project if any of your metbloggers would like to post it on the forums scrap me), but I am just not sure who has undertaken the task of constructing it, I heard its a Malaysian Company.
Karachi has long been one of the most neglected cities of the world. It has so much potential. Its been abused by so many, yet it thrives.. Finally things are changing for Karachi. Even though I dont like the architectural style of construction that is going around, but somethings better than nothing. So lets just hope for better things to come to this city of ours.
Jammie,
Year 2007 feels kinda fishy to me. As being the election year who knows what’ll happen next. Anyway I am hearing about it forever so no harm in waiting one more year.
All bloggers are doing a great job by keeping me update with all the things about Karachi. It’s just I can’t get enough about my home town so I suggested a thing or two.
I find it kinda frustrating with so much construction going on and no one is making an effort to solve parking issues. How hard it is for a big project to have a underground parking lot? Well I guess our city planners are too busy in planning traffic diversions than to solve this real issue.
Any future builders, reading this. I see a lot of money in paid parking lots in busy sections of the city. I know it’s very hard with present security situation in the city but still we can think about it.
Why this letter never made it to Karachi?
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=200645\story_5-4-2006_pg13_9
Anyway we need to do something to top this
http://www.friendswithoutborders.org/index.htm
Calling All Karachi Metro Bloggers
Hey why no one is addressing issues like these
because most of them are busy to visit different coffee shops and resturants in posh areas like clifton,zamzama,defence etc,representing not even 1% of karachiites daily routine.
I dont blame all,people like awab,ramla,imtiaz do write about core issues but majority of posts are related to things which are not used by masses.Like how many actually visit places like Costa Coffe each day?Karachi is just not all about areas like Clifton/Defence,pECHS etc.Do any blogger live in North Nazimabad/Liaqatabad town and used to go office at IIC via Ranchorline?Visit that place and you would find an entire different world out there.We cant attract outsiders by showing *good* images about Karachi.Let them know the reality about this city,infrastructure etc because if anyone believe in you and by mistake visit the places like Leemarket,ranchorline,jacoblane,He would sure curse you.
just PKR 2.00
Well done Adnan Siddiqi, I am delighted that at last someone has come up with the most flawed outlook on this blog.
Although, it is absolutely right that bloggers can not cover the city like teh size of Karachi in its entirity. Yet, the assertion remains a potent one that none of the posts talk about the issues related to masses. For instance, the search for largest slum Orangi would yeild nothing here. Does this means that the area is without any problems or issues or its a case sheer overlook (alienation?).
Karachi life is all about hustle and its people must talk more about the under-privilaged, coz “Think Globally and Blog Locally” is the theme here.
point taken as made by both adnans. however again i will say that by virtue of wanting ME on karachi metblogs, what i say is what is impt also whether its the number of people in costa or in orangi. both are parts of karachi- lets not be reverse snobs either. karachi metblogs gives a peoples view of the city which is made of ALL sorts of people and ALL kinds of outlooks (flawed or otherwise)- not all are required to be interested in infrastructure, coffee, education or development. what makes it interesting is the mix of the very important and the very banal. and take it from me, any kind of survivial in this city, you need to keep your sense of humour intact and your “everythings an issue” levels in check. as they say, “peace”.
I dont say you guys should not make this blog intresting and SHOULD NOT discuss things which already being discussed.As a reader i actually expect from you guys,you guys are well aware of things,write things beautifully.If you guys also start writing about core issues then it would be more effective than traditional journalism.The way Awab was excited abopt blog censhorship,if he and others show similar excitement for core issues then I am sure that you guys will be taken seriously.
I also see KMB as platform to discuss core issues.
Let’s discuss them in a constructive manner, suggest something turn the debate to fruitful one with reaching an implementable solution.
for example what would you suggest to stop walk chalking ?
Wall Chalking i mean
Wall Chalking i mean
cut their hands off,thats it
now that’s not realistic though implementable
cutting off their hands is TOO good. defacing public property is the height of stupidity.
some neighbourhoods post guards at night to do rounds to keep watch or expect the area mobile to keep their eye open. whever happens needs to impelemented in smaller sections- a solution which suits the entire city will never be agreed upon/
Are we calling the TALIBAN’s here ?
Come on, there are better ways to handle the issue then cutting the hands. Those who are doing it are doing it for the money and not for their personal gains.
Cutting off hands is not Talibanization,its an Islamic punishment(if you are aware off),but for those who steal things.
now that’s not realistic though implementable
Culprits of our society really deserve a severe punishment like cutting hands off and hanging them in public places so that others learn lessons.I prefer our police dept should be on top of the list.
Provide them a seprate areas where they can do wall chalking.But,we dont have facility of public toilets and people keep urinating whereever they want.How could we expect a seprate area for wall chalking?
Cutting off hands is not Talibanization,its an Islamic punishment(if you are aware off),but for those who steal things.
Now that’s very inhumane not par with today’s time. Just say if someone found guilty of cyber stealing then most of us had to be punished. I don’t think you want that Adnan. And why stop there is a Islamic law according to which a tongue should be cut off if someone lies. Well the problem is who’ll judge what is what?
So in a nutshell, the things which were true in desert don’t necessarily applicable today.
Provide them a seprate areas where they can do wall chalking.But,we dont have facility of public toilets and people keep urinating whereever they want.How could we expect a seprate area for wall chalking?
As you’ve said already it is not a biggest crime in Karachi.
You’ve mentioned that there are no bloggers from North Nazimabad or Liaquatabad. But have you noticed we don’t have that many readers from there too. I think you are pointing the class difference here. Well we have couple from Gulshan and around Nishter Park. If any eligible blogger want to be a part of it then I am sure if their credentials fit then they can become a blogger here. It is in English so one sould have command on it. I know I don’t fit the profile here.
shit!i wrote a post in reply but i dont remember it was posted and removed or i opened in preview mode.:/
Now that’s very inhumane not par with today’s time
I think modern days punishment are more inhumane than in Past,like 3rd degree torture,guantanamo bay torture tactis,Abu ghuraib jail in Iraq and CIA and FBI’s procedures to deal with crimnals.Cutting hands of is still a lot better then mentioned punishments and procedures above.Regarding cyber crime or anyother crime,if i am well aware of a strict law in my country which deals with cybercrime,I wouldnt dare to download pirated stuff on my PC.
So in a nutshell, the things which were true in desert don’t necessarily applicable today.
Could be right if human was transformed into something good but ground realities tells us that Human is getting more violent and fond of terrorism in past so we can’t afford some *decent* punishment anyway.Between are you aware of any decent punishment?In my opinion,Punishments are never sweet,even if a man weds a laraka pakistani girl,its a big torture for we pakistani men:D
regarding your other points, I agree with you but ppl who belong to areas like nishtar park,gulshan etc ,could really discuss the *evils* of their areas and get snaps of bad things rather potraying *karachi is only good* city most of the time in snaps
I agree with Adnan to the extant that this KMB seems much more interested in coffee shops and Costa’s etc and those sick car pics.
As for cutting off hands. Well Adnan, I think that law was for that time and if you start applying it in letter then a person stealing a 50 paisa coin and a persno stealing billions of rupees will be in same line. There are other ways to handle it then cutting off hands.
As for the “3rd degree torture, guantanamo bay torture tactics, Abu ghuraib ” and all I fully agree with you. Its just the matter of we and west looking at the TRUTH in different view so things which are inhumane to us look fit to them and vice versa. That’s a separate issue
By the way i like the way of taking a class of those mummy daddy kids who always boast about GOD knows what eating outlet.
How about starting a series with the name “REAL KARACHI” showing the real life . Yourself pointed out the one big draw back. It seems to represent the 1 percent of the people out here.
yaar first of all let me clear one thing which creating confusion that I used *cutting off hands* to show my haterd against them.Second I repeat tht law is not outdated and still several times better than current punishments which are more barbariac than the punishment mentioned in Religious law.I would like one elaborate comparison that how modern torture are *better* than old laws which according to Huma,were applicable in desert land only.
you start applying it in letter then a person stealing a 50 paisa coin and a persno stealing billions of rupees will be in same line
yaar chori chori hay,My parents taught me not to steal a single penny and for me a coin of 50 paisas and 50 million are equivalent.Regarding cutting off hands for a small amount,i am not shariyah expert but i believe there categorization of punishments according to severity,i heard and read about this law for stealing so i used it *out of context* to show my anger for those bloody wall chalkers and politicians of this country.
How about starting a series with the name “REAL KARACHI” showing the real life
Even a photoblog would be enough,Image with a caption,thats it.HUma pointed out wel that there are NOT many readers from areas like North Nazimabad,nazd etc but i think the reality is that we have more outsiders here than desis,and i figured it out by checking stats of my blog which is linked with my every post.So i thnk people like Huma and ramla could be our helpful resources to promote this blog in Print ad Teleision media,because its still true that Internet is not a Primary soure of Information in Pakistan,so many people dont know about this site at all,even I didnt know about this site unless a friend of mine mentioned this blog during earthquake activities,so I think bloggers should do something to promote this blog as a *serious* platform and try to get serious as well.
Too much about the cars and eating out places here. For REAL Karachi we need bloggers to be more focussed.
@ ADNAN: Yes there are ppl who are not in Karachi, but want to know the REAL Karachi. You can help with the likes who care about Karachi. Your feeds are really cool.
Can you compare the crime ratio in Saudia or any other country where Islamic Punishments are given to those where they are not? You will find the significance straightaway.
My Solution is 6 month non-bailable non-finable Jail to the *PAINTER*
@AdnanMansoor:Huma said right,only ppl of concerned areas could discuss core issues.Its not possible for current bloggers to go out of the way and capture problems.
I dont know how could I be helpful.I am not suitable for Metroblogging due to various reasons.But yes there would be mor eligible people in my area and others and if this website is promoted properly then we could experience much better bloggers in future.
Your feeds are really cool.
Which feeds?
Can you compare the crime ratio in Saudia or any other country where Islamic Punishments are given to those where they are not? You will find the significance straightaway
We are used to copy west which gives concept of Sepration of CHurch and State.I have seen many muslims accept same ideology as well but they dont try to find out why this concept came out.Sepration of church and state is applicable for bible followers which was revelaed to a community only that is Children of Israel.If you read bible there are few instances which covers things like politics,ruling a state,humanity etc.When christians ruled different countries in world,they did try to find things in bible but when they didnt find,they had to comeup with rules which are applicable for everyone.
How Quran is different that it discusses things mentioned in bible,that is past stories as well procedures to lead life.If you guys know,first charter of Human rights was the last sermon of Prophet Muhammad(SAW).There would be something in it that they included it in charter.But who cares to know about details when western policies and rulers are here to rule on us.
@ADNAN: I am not suitable for Metroblogging due to various reasons
Can you explain this a little?.
As for a photoblog, i think i will start a series of REAL KARACHI in few weeks. But i need help from others to send me few pictures besides the ones that i have.
@MB sure
1)Not so good in writing aas well as english
2)No time for roaming around
3)Not enough time to make 2/3 posts each week which is mandatory requirment of this website
4)Last but not least,i like to visit as a reader rather a poster
:>
What do you comment about compatible torture tactics when you read things like that:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/04/29/AR2006042900145.html
@ADNAN; Still feeding out on reading the blog on Karachi, rather being a poster?
Yet interested to know more about your limitations for writing, anyone for helping me out?
@ADNAN MANSOOR: first of all I got confused with the word *feeds* and mixed it with *XML FEEDS* [mentioned on my blog]which i was workin on recently,so pardon me for this confusion:)
by poster i meant ,Metroblog Author.No I mentioned every possible factor in my last post
Great work!
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“Along with the angry rioting crowds I have bashed and trashed Karachi to my hearts content in the privacy of my head but my public approach has always been staunchly positive, awaiting the Big Change, as we know it will happen, eventually, if we hold our breath long enough.”
@Jammie: Not only you but the absolute majority of Karachite are witness to this phenomenon, especially in 1985-87 and 1994-96 period. The agony and turmoil, one faced in those time, has not diminished anybody’s love for this city. I LOVE my Karachi. Despite not being here physically, I feel like a part and parel of its aura.
Project’s like KIII and others, have revitalize my faith in this city and those who are living in Karachi must feel the power it gives to them, as well. People who belong to different strata of the society, must reshape this city to the best of their abilities. I for one can vouch the change, water supply project to Orangi, Baldia, Lyari and SITE areas has done to the confidence of those living there.
The joy expressed and experienced by those benefitted is beyond words to express. Once again many thumbs up to JAMMIE to initiate a lively post. DO keep it up!