BEING famous for its diverse range of food and eateries, the Hussainabad area has always been one of the popular sites in Karachi. However, my recent visit to the area was rather disturbing owing to a troubling mix of chaos, discomfort and societal indifference.

The roads, as usual, were in a neglected state, and also served as seating and strolling areas for the public. While sitting there, I found myself only an inch away from passing vehicles, highlighting the hazardous nature of the environment.

I also witnessed another quite disturbing scene. A well-known French fries venture caught fire, but the situation was managed by the staff. The outlet, like the majority of the eateries on the street, was situated at the ground level of residential apartments, posing a significant risk in an already chaotic environment.

But of all the problems, what struck me the most was a rather philosophical one. The street starts with multiple medical centres, including a major cardiac hospital, creating an unsettling juxtaposition of healthcare facilities amidst a bustling food hub. The coexistence of two worlds meant grief and festivities running parallel to each other. It may sound cliché or extreme, but is it not concerning that we, as humans, are gradually becoming immune to such scenarios? Imagine the number of times that bodies or grieving families might have passed through the street where people are absorbed in their meals and festivities. How can we reconcile the fact that while some are celebrating, others are dealing with profound loss right next to us?

To me, this also resonates on a global scale. While people in places like Palestine, Lebanon, Myanmar and occupied Kashmir are literally struggling to survive every moment, much of the world has learned to blind itself or has intentionally closed its eyes, continuing to celebrate life as if nothing tragic is happening at all.

Mariam Imran
Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2024