Karachi Aisa Nai Tha: Liaquatabad residents slam ‘negligent’ authorities for poor infrastructure

Residents of Karachi's Liaquatabad 10 Number have voiced anger over the deteriorating condition of a major road linking Liaquatabad to Hasan Square, saying years of neglect have left it dangerous and nearly unusable.

The Dialogue Pakistan team visited the area under its drive Karachi Aisa Nahi Tha to highlight the civic issues.

Motorcyclists passing through the area often stay silent, while others openly curse the government for failing to address the issue.

Locals say the road has been repaired two or three times in the past, but due to the use of substandard materials, it has repeatedly fallen into disrepair.

“I see these roads every day and it deeply upsets me,” one resident said, accusing the government of complete incompetence. “What do they care? Their families don’t travel here. They live in posh areas and remain unaffected.”

The broken road, riddled with potholes, has made travel hazardous and severely disrupted traffic flow. Citizens report facing daily difficulties, with journeys that should take minutes stretching into half an hour or more.

Residents claim that no effective measures have been taken by the Sindh government to properly repair the road. “Since 2008, this road has never been properly rebuilt. Budgets are passed, money is spent, but nothing changes,” another local said.

Frustration is mounting, with many accusing authorities of making empty promises during elections. “They come, take votes, make promises, and then disappear. The public continues to suffer,” a resident added.

The situation has led to multiple accidents, including incidents where rickshaws carrying families have overturned. One particularly dangerous pothole, said to be around four feet deep, has existed for over two years. Residents claim they have filled it themselves twice, only for it to reopen due to sewage water.

Standing water from rain and overflowing drains has further worsened conditions, turning parts of the road into stagnant pools. Residents say vehicles are frequently damaged, and maintenance costs for motorcyclists have surged, affecting their livelihoods.

Women, including pregnant passengers on their way to hospital, have reportedly fallen due to the poor road conditions, raising serious safety concerns.

“Accidents happen here regularly. People have even lost their lives. Vehicles run over pedestrians, and no one comes to help,” a local said.

Residents have appealed to the authorities to take immediate and serious action, urging the government to carry out proper and lasting repairs instead of temporary fixes.