Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit - Mega city of Karachi faces huge traffic problems [Druckversion]
Mega city of Karachi faces huge traffic problems
Nasreen Jalil, Vice Mayor of Karachi addresses the seminar
Shehri-CBE (Citizens for a better Environment) recently conducted a well received seminar on city development with the special topic: “Managing Cities: The Transport Dilemma” in the mega city of Karachi. “Shehri” is the Urdu word for citizen. This organization, which has been collaborating with the Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung für die Freiheit (FNSt) since 1990, strives in the city of Karachi for the interests of the inhabitants and for an active civil society. For a long time the word environment haven’t been meant only environmental issues but also good governance, traffic policy, democracy and effective participating local government.
The seminar was designed and developed in a strategy seminar, which was held in August. Shehri-CBE ‘s standing in the civil society is evident from the high ranking attendance in that seminar: Rasul Bux Palejo, Secretary Transport Sindh; Javed Hannif, District Coordination Officer (DCO); Wajid Ali Durrani, Divisional Inspector General (DIG) Traffic Karachi; Zaheer-ul-Islam, Director General (DG) Mass Transit, City District Government Karachi and others.
Karachi city
In an active interaction all these stakeholders exchanged their partly differing opinions on the transport problems in Karachi. But finally all of them agreed that some pragmatic strategies should be devised to tackle the increasing traffic quarrels in favor of smooth movement of traffic, minimizing risks for drivers, passengers and citizens at all.
Manfred Richter shares his experiences as former Lord Mayor of German port city of Bremerhaven
Mr. Manfred Richter, member of the board of directors of FNSt and former Lord Mayor of the German port city Bremerhaven shared his experiences of his city and was impressed by the unexpected free and open discussion between different stake holders and citizens. At least the concerns of different interest groups like driver associations and different citizen organizations are heard and hopefully also considered. The vibrant discussion reflected rising awareness among the inhabitants of Karachi and the civil society for finding concrete and practical solutions of their problems. In this seminar not only the traffic hazards were touched but issues like housing, population growth, environmental issues were debated as well. The participation of the common man in decision making processes was also stressed.
Glimpses of Karachi city
Indeed, Karachi city problems are typical for mega cities. But the early beginning of interactive participation of all concerned creates a hope that Karachi develops into a place, where local communities push the political leaders, lawmakers and other stakeholders to act and rule in favor of a transparent, people oriented manner.
Mrs. Nasreen Jalil, the Vice Mayor of Karachi appreciated the initiative taken by Shehri-CBE and promised to take up all the suggestions made by this organization and citizens who took part in the seminar.
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