GRAVEYARDS may hold different meaning to different people, but for historians they are the best places to find out more about a town’s history. People in Pakistan tend to visit graveyards more on religious festivals and special occasions to offer prayers for their beloved ones.

Most of the old graveyards in the metropolis are poorly maintained and are home to stray dogs, garbage and wild plants. The Shah Muhammad graveyard, located in North Karachi, in particular, depicts a true picture of official negligence. Stray dogs roam freely around the graves and drug addicts are seen smoking their stuff openly. Muggers consider this graveyard an ideal place to hide and rob the mourners, especially those who come there alone.

Some of the unattended graves in the graveyard are in a dilapidated condition and need immediate repair. Wild plants have grown everywhere, making it hard for people to reach the graves of their loved ones.

The authorities are urged to improve the maintenance of all graveyards in the city, particularly of the Shah Muhammad graveyard. They can at least ensure safe and clean environment to the deceased resting there after having failed to provide the same to them while they were alive.

Faisal Ansar
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2021