A PUBLIC notice was published recently in the name of the superintending engineer (B&R), Town Municipal Corporation, Saddar Town, Karachi. The notice aimed at seeking potential objections from individuals or institutions regarding the renaming of Framrose Road, near Bath Island, Clifton, to ‘Muhammad Tariq Mughal Road’. As stated in the notice, the Saddar Town Council had already approved the renaming, and any objection had to be submitted within 15 days of the notice’s publication. However, the notice did not provide any telephone or email contact information to facilitate the submission of objections. The given address was vaguely mentioned as being close to Aram Bagh Police Station.

As a concerned citizen, I decided to submit my written objection to the proposal. For the purpose, I visited the relevant office in the morning of June 14. Upon arrival at around 9.30am, I continuously encountered difficulty in locating the office, but that was expected. Moreover, I was surprised to discover that no officials were present, and only a handful of low-ranking employees were available on the ground floor. Ironically, they informed me that it was too early, and that I should return after 11am when the officer concerned was more likely to be available.

I returned at 11.30am after attending to other matters, but, to my utter surprise, I found the office of the engineer concerned still closed, and there was no one available to officially receive my objection. Consequently, I had no any alternative, but to slip my objection letter under the door, knowing that the chances of the letter getting any attention were minimal.

Unfortunately, it was obvious that such public notices are nothing but mere legal and procedural formalities, and it appears unlikely that any of the objections will be have been genuinely considered.It is disheartening to see public funds being squandered on the maintenance of offices that lack any kind of accountability.

Kausar A. Jafri
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2024