|
| |
 |
| Power riots |
|
|
|
Given the frequency and timings of the seemingly infinite daily power outages, one can understand the people's desire to take to the streets of Karachi in protest to vent their frustration. However, the question remains what the rioting will achieve aside, of course, from catharsis. At the end of the day, are the authorities, who these protests are ostensibly targeted at, really taking notice? Isn't there a chance that the few statements emanating from high-up government officials are merely attempts to assuage the anger of the rioters? The truth is that there is no magic switch that can be hit by the KESC which will make things fine; therefore all calls to 'normalise' the power shortage situation by them are, essentially, just cosmetic. This is a problem that cannot be solved in the short-run and definitely not this summer and the city has to come to grips with that, however unsavoury it may be. Conversely, the news stories about massive traffic jams being caused by blocking roads by protestors is a key point. These commuters are the same citizens who, after a long day of work, will have to go and writhe in the very same situation of no electricity. Adding to their anguish will achieve nothing except for compounding their personal misery. The destruction of public and private property is also a fruitless activity. As difficult as it may be to transcend the initial primal anger brought on by the incessant power outages, the people must make sure that they never have to go through another summer like this. This can be achieved only by formulating strategic pressure groups and eliciting KESC's actual plans. However, it's easier said than done. When you have to brave an entire night without electricity, that too in this asphyxiating weather, rationality may just be the furthest thing from your mind.
|
| |
|
| Back
| Send
this story to Friend | Print
Version |
|
|
