Karachi Political Diary

 Karachi Political Diary

 Mubasher Mir

Karachi witnessed two landmark developments this week that signal the beginning of a new era in Pakistan–Saudi Arabia relations — one that goes beyond religious and historical ties to embrace economic growth, technology, and youth empowerment.

A New Phase of Economic Cooperation

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah hosted Prince Mansour bin Mohammed Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi–Pakistan Business Council, who led a 30-member high-level business delegation to Karachi.

During the meeting at the Chief Minister’s House, both sides held in-depth discussions on investment opportunities in Sindh’s key sectors — industry, energy, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Murad Ali Shah briefed the delegation on the province’s economic potential, highlighting Sindh’s pioneering success with Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects such as Thar Coal, industrial zones, water supply schemes, and road infrastructure.

He assured that the provincial government offers a transparent, secure, and investor-friendly environment, with simplified procedures for international investors.

Prince Mansour bin Mohammed Al Saud praised Sindh’s progress and emphasized that Saudi Arabia views Pakistan as a regional hub for trade and energy. He said Saudi investors are keen to take part in Pakistan’s privatization initiatives and are closely examining opportunities in multiple fields.

Both sides agreed to form joint working groups to accelerate cooperation in priority areas.

A presentation shared with the Saudi delegation noted Sindh’s vital role in Pakistan’s GDP and its immense potential in energy, minerals, agriculture, food processing, tourism, and logistics.

Examples of successful projects with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Engro, and Shanghai Electric were cited as proof of Sindh’s investor-friendly climate.

During the visit, two energy sector MoUs were signed — one related to the sale and purchase of shares in K-Electric Limited, and another establishing strategic cooperation between K-Electric and Trident Energy Limited.

These agreements mark a growing international confidence in Pakistan’s energy market and underline Sindh’s vision for sustainable economic growth.

Youth, Technology, and Sports – A Shared Vision

In a separate event at the Governor House, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori and Prince Mansour bin Mohammed Al Saud witnessed the signing of two additional Memoranda of Understanding aimed at promoting cooperation in IT education, technology, and sports development.

The ceremony was attended by Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Saeed Al-Maliki, Pakistani Ambassador Ahmed Farooq, Saudi Consul General Mohammed Abdullah Al-Subaie, and other dignitaries.

Under these MoUs, both nations will collaborate on advanced IT education, training programs, youth exchange initiatives, and joint sports events.

Governor Tessori said, “Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share a relationship rooted in brotherhood and mutual trust. These youth-oriented projects will add a new dimension to our partnership.”

He announced that a friendly cricket match between Pakistani and Saudi teams will soon be organized to further strengthen people-to-people ties.

The Governor stressed that education, technology, and sports are essential to a progressive future. “Providing modern education and training to our youth is the government’s foremost priority,” he added.

Prince Mansour commended the Governor’s efforts and said Saudi Arabia recognizes the extraordinary talent of Pakistani youth and will continue practical cooperation for their advancement.

He reiterated that Saudi Arabia is eager to expand its partnership with Pakistan in education, technology, and sports — areas vital to both nations’ future.

A Strategic Alignment

The two Karachi events symbolize a strategic and economic shift in Pakistan–Saudi relations.

For Sindh, they promise fresh investment, economic stability, and employment opportunities, while for Pakistan’s youth, they open doors to education, innovation, and global exposure.

This cooperation reflects a growing synergy between Saudi Vision 2030 and Sindh’s development agenda, representing a shared vision for a modern, progressive, and interconnected future — one where the two brotherly nations translate goodwill into actionable partnership.

Political Calm in the Making

Meanwhile, in a separate development, a high-level political meeting took place in Nawabshah, where President Asif Ali Zardari met with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

According to the Presidency, the meeting reviewed the country’s political, security, and regional situation in detail. Ishaq Dar briefed the President on his recent United Nations General Assembly engagements and meetings with world leaders.

Sources said the discussion also focused on reducing political tension between the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). The government team conveyed the Prime Minister’s special message, emphasizing dialogue and mutual understanding as the only path forward.

It was decided that both parties will resolve differences through consultation and that the federal government will address PPP’s concerns without delay. Coordination between Sindh and Punjab governments will also be restored to strengthen administrative and development cooperation.

Leaders agreed to avoid controversial statements and promote a political climate of reconciliation and cooperation.

Observers describe the meeting as an important confidence-building step between the federal and provincial leadership, raising hopes for political stability and continuity of democracy.

Afghan Refugee Movements from Karachi

Amid growing Pakistan–Afghanistan border tensions, reports have emerged suggesting the departure of Afghan refugees from Karachi. However, official confirmation regarding the number of returnees and specific localities remains pending.

Conclusion

From economic diplomacy with Saudi Arabia to political reconciliation at home, the past week in Karachi has underscored Pakistan’s broader shift toward strategic cooperation, political maturity, and regional engagement.

If these initiatives sustain their momentum, Sindh could soon become a model of foreign investment and youth-led progress, while Pakistan stands to benefit from renewed unity and global confidence.

Political Diary Karachi

 Political Diary Karachi

Mubasher Mir

The recent Solidarity Gaza March on Karachi’s Shahrah-e-Faisal has once again demonstrated that the people of Pakistan stand firmly with the Palestinian cause. The turnout was massive, emotional, and politically meaningful, reflecting that for ordinary Pakistanis, Palestine is not a distant issue but an existential one tied to Muslim identity and global justice.

The message was crystal clear: Israel remains unacceptable, the “two-state solution” is a non-starter, and Hamas is viewed as the true face of Palestinian resistance.

Gaza and the Pakistani Conscience

The highlight of the march was the speech of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, who recalled the historic words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, declaring that Pakistan would never recognize Israel. His bold demand that Pakistan open a Hamas office within its territory exposed the sharp gap between public sentiment and state policy.

The ordinary people of Pakistan, alongside political workers across divides, align themselves with the martyrs, children, and women of Gaza. The state, however, remains silent, bound by American influence and diplomatic compulsions.

A striking aspect of the rally was the participation of leaders from different political and sectarian backgrounds. This underlined that the Palestinian cause transcends party lines and unites the Muslim Ummah. Speakers pointedly criticized the paralysis of the United Nations and the monopoly of the United States, which have left Palestinians trapped in a cycle of oppression.

Notably, the marchers also condemned the Abraham Accords, singling out Arab governments attempting to normalize ties with Israel. Pakistanis, once again, made their position unambiguous: they will not support any deal that sidelines Palestinian resistance or legitimizes Israel.

But here lies the test: Can Pakistan’s rulers translate this public passion into actual policy?

Beyond Slogans: Steps Pakistan Must Take

Mass rallies and fiery speeches are important but insufficient. What Pakistan needs is policy backed by action:

1. Diplomatic and material aid for the Palestinians must be increased.

2. A joint Islamic bloc strategy must be pursued to pressurize Israel internationally.

3. Pakistan’s historic and ideological stance must not be diluted under foreign pressure.

At a time when Palestinians are surrounded by death and destruction, Pakistan’s solidarity is praiseworthy. Yet the real challenge is for the state: will it choose bold, principled leadership, or remain paralyzed by expediency?

Karachi: The Neglected Lifeline

While Karachi stood for Gaza on the streets, its own story is one of deep neglect. At a Pakistan Business Forum roundtable, former Finance Secretary Younis Dagha revealed shocking numbers: Karachi has been denied Rs 3,360 billion in the 15 years since 2010. Funds that could have modernized infrastructure and completed essential projects like K-4 water supply, Circular Railway, BRT systems, and road networks never reached the city.

The figures tell a damning story. Of Pakistan’s Rs 12,500 billion federal budget, a colossal Rs 8,000 billion comes from Karachi, while the rest of the country contributes only Rs 4,500 billion. Despite being the economic engine—through industries, ports, exports, and taxes—Karachi remains crippled by broken roads, water shortages, power failures, and outdated transport.

One question dominates: If Karachi generates 67 percent of the country’s revenues, why is it left in ruins?

The answer lies in systemic misgovernance. The Sindh government under the PPP has presided over a ballooning provincial budget, from Rs 450 billion to Rs 3,500 billion in 15 years. Yet the KMC budget remains stuck at Rs 25 billion, leaving Karachi starved.

Opposition Leader Saifuddin Advocate summed up the decay: under Mayor Naimatullah Khan, even a union committee chairman could build all roads in his constituency; today, getting a single road repaired is a monumental task. Resources exist, but priorities and honesty do not.

The injustice to Karachi is not local—it sabotages Pakistan’s national economy. Without modern infrastructure, water, and transport projects, Pakistan cannot achieve sustainable growth.

What Karachi Needs

Rs 880 billion annually, its fair share, must be allocated.

Port and octroi revenues should be reinvested directly in the city.

Local governments must be empowered financially and administratively.

Above all, transparency is vital to prevent corruption from devouring development funds.

Karachi is not merely Sindh’s capital—it is Pakistan’s economic backbone. To weaken it is to undermine Pakistan itself. If policymakers continue their apathy, public trust will collapse, and even the integrity of the state may face erosion.

Water Disputes and Federal Trust

Another brewing storm is the federal water dispute. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s recent remarks on a controversial canal project ignited backlash from the PPP Sindh, which termed her statements a violation of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) decision.

According to PPP Sindh President Nisar Khuhro, the project had already been unanimously rejected by the CCI, making Maryam’s words unconstitutional and damaging to federal trust. Sindh’s long-standing fear is that Punjab seeks dominance over Indus waters, leaving tail-end Sindh vulnerable.

Khuhro reminded that Nawaz Sharif himself shelved divisive projects like the Kalabagh Dam to preserve national unity—insight Maryam appears to lack.

Here arises a critical question: Were Maryam’s remarks mere rhetoric for provincial politics, or an early outline of government policy? If it is the latter, Pakistan could face serious provincial confrontation.

The PPP has also accused the Punjab government of mishandling flood relief, alleging deliberate cuts that saved elite properties while drowning poor farmers. If substantiated, this would be not only mismanagement but outright social injustice.

The Punjab government must come clean: how much aid was allocated, from what sources, and how transparently it was distributed. Without facts, political accusations will continue to erode trust.

The Need for Trust and Constitutionality

Pakistan’s federation rests on trust, fairness, and adherence to constitutional forums. The CCI exists to ensure equitable resource allocation. If provincial governments defy its authority, the result will be discord and weakened national cohesion.

Maryam Nawaz and Punjab must respect institutional decisions and avoid statements that inflame sensitivities. At the same time, the PPP should avoid exploiting such issues for political mileage and instead propose constructive solutions.

Conclusion: Three Fronts, One Test

From Gaza solidarity, to Karachi’s deprivation, to water disputes, Pakistan faces challenges that are deeply interconnected. Each represents a test of leadership, principle, and governance.

On Palestine, Pakistan must move beyond slogans and take principled diplomatic steps.

On Karachi, justice in resource allocation and governance reform is essential for economic stability.

On water disputes, constitutional forums and provincial trust must be protected at all costs.

The lesson is simple: Pakistan cannot afford expediency. Whether in foreign policy or domestic governance, principled stands and transparent action are the only path to restore public trust and safeguard the federation.

A Tale of Meritocracy’s Failure in Pakistan

 Under the Table:

 A Tale of Meritocracy’s Failure in Pakistan

Mubasher Mir

Meritocracy—the belief that individuals should rise by virtue of talent, hard work, and integrity—has long been presented as the ideal foundation of any successful society. Yet in Pakistan, merit often finds itself strangled under the heavy weight of favoritism, nepotism, and under-the-table deals. The consequence is not just a broken system of recruitment; it is a nation-wide disillusionment that continues to suffocate generations of professionals, thinkers, and dreamers.

I write this piece not as an abstract observer but as a witness—and participant—in the very processes that claim to champion meritocracy but collapse under its weight when confronted with power, politics, and vested interests

A Personal Window: The State Bank Episodes

In 2008, when Pakistan was transitioning after the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, Yousaf Raza Gilani rose as Prime Minister and Asif Ali Zardari took charge as President. Amid this reshaping of political power, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) announced vacancies, including the critical post of Chief Spokesperson.

Like many journalists and communication professionals, I applied. The competition was tough; more than twenty seasoned candidates, each with years of field experience, were shortlisted. The promise was clear: a rigorous, merit-based process that would identify the most competent candidate.

But as is often the case in Pakistan, reality diverged from rhetoric. Instead of appointing fresh talent, the SBP extended the tenure of the incumbent, Wasimuddin, who was nearing retirement. That decision may have suited the status quo, but it shredded the very spirit of meritocracy. It signaled that institutions valued continuity of “trusted” faces over infusion of new perspectives.

Fast-forward to 2013. Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N returned to power with slogans of transparency and change. Again, advertisements filled newspapers promising opportunities for young professionals. Again, the SBP invited applications for its Chief spokesperson’s slot. This time, around a dozen candidates, mostly from media, reached the interview stage.

The process, however, felt more like theater than substance. The interview panel, which included the Chief Economist and Deputy Governor, asked questions that revealed a startlingly narrow understanding of communication. When one panelist inquired, “How will you stop news that could be detrimental to the State Bank?” I was stunned. Was the job of a spokesperson to suppress information rather than explain and clarify it?

I replied honestly—that my approach would be to build bridges between the institution and the public through timely communication, including social media outreach. Yet the panel dismissed the suggestion. “We are a regulatory authority; we don’t need social media,” one member remarked with bureaucratic certainty. Ironically, just months later, the same SBP proudly launched its social media presence and a new website—without appointing anyone from the advertised pool of candidates. The position was quietly filled by an internal transfer.

For me, the sting wasn’t personal rejection; it was the realization that the entire process had been a charade. Advertisements, shortlisting, and interviews were little more than window-dressing—gestures to display a commitment to merit while ensuring decisions were already made behind closed doors.

The Broader Crisis: When Talent Meets Walls

My story is only one of thousands echoing across Pakistan. Talk to any young graduate, mid-career professional, or senior specialist, and the refrain is depressingly similar: “Merit doesn’t matter here.”

In government departments, the culture of sifarish (connections) remains stronger than CVs. In corporations, loyalty to personalities often outweighs performance. And in academia, appointments sometimes reflect political affiliations more than scholarly credentials.

The consequences are devastating:

 Brain Drain: Every year, thousands of Pakistan’s brightest minds migrate to Canada, the Gulf, Europe, and beyond. They leave not because they lack patriotism but because the system here refuses to recognize their talent.

Disillusionment: For those who stay, the constant rejection in favor of “connected” candidates leads to hopelessness. Depression among young professionals is not just a private health issue—it is a national tragedy

Stagnation: Institutions that deny merit stagnate. Without fresh ideas and capable leaders, organizations recycle mediocrity, becoming increasingly irrelevant in a fast-changing world.

 Erosion of Trust: Citizens lose faith not only in organizations but in the very idea of fairness. When rules appear rigged, cynicism grows. And cynicism, once rooted, eats away at social cohesion.

The Human Cost: Stories of the Overlooked

Consider the plight of young women entering the workforce. For them, the barriers are doubled. Meritocracy is already fragile; add to it the cultural biases and systemic sexism, and opportunities shrink further. A female graduate from a prestigious university may face questions not about her skills but about her “ability” to balance work and family. How many bright women, discouraged at the very gates, give up their professional dreams before they even begin?

Or think of the middle-class professional who spends years studying abroad on scholarships, returning with advanced degrees and global exposure. Instead of being embraced, they often find themselves sidelined in favor of less qualified but better connected individuals. Many end up taking jobs far below their skill level, or eventually re-migrating, their energy wasted.

Each such case is more than an individual disappointment—it is a national loss.

Why Pakistan Cannot Afford This

Some argue that nepotism and favoritism exist everywhere. True, no system is perfect. But in Pakistan, the scale and brazenness of these practices threaten national survival.

Economic Growth: A country’s economy grows when talent is harnessed efficiently. Pakistan, however, sidelines its talent, choking innovation and competitiveness.

Governance: Institutions run on mediocrity cannot deliver good governance. The inability of regulatory bodies, public institutions, and corporations to adapt to the digital era is proof enough.

Youth Bulge: With 64% of its population under 30, Pakistan faces a demographic tsunami. If opportunities are denied, frustration will turn into unrest. A nation with unemployed, disillusioned youth is a ticking time bomb.

Towards a Culture of Merit

The solution is neither easy nor immediate. Yet it is urgent and possible if pursued with sincerity.

 Transparent Recruitment: Every public and corporate entity must adopt transparent hiring practices. Job advertisements, shortlisting criteria, interview scores—all should be made publicly available.

 Independent Oversight: Regulatory bodies, much like the Election Commission, should oversee recruitment processes in critical institutions.

 Merit Incentives: Organizations that demonstrably follow meritocracy should receive state and civil society recognition. Public rankings, certifications, or awards can create positive pressure.

 Digital Audits: Technology can help. Online testing, automated shortlisting, and digital audit trails can reduce human manipulation.

 Cultural Shift: Ultimately, no system can work unless society values merit. Parents, teachers, and leaders must emphasize that personal connections should not be a substitute for competence.

A Call for Human Dignity

At its heart, the cry for meritocracy is a cry for dignity. When an individual spends years learning, training, and striving, they deserve at least a fair chance to be evaluated. To deny them that chance is to rob them not only of opportunity but of self-worth.

The humanistic dimension of this crisis is rarely discussed. Professionals rejected unfairly carry scars. They lose confidence, question their value, and sometimes abandon their passions altogether. Behind every “unsuccessful” candidate is a family that invested hopes, money, and sacrifice. Behind every brain drain story is a silent mourning for what Pakistan could have been.

Pakistan at a Crossroads

Pakistan cannot progress on slogans alone. “Youth empowerment,” “innovation,” “digital Pakistan”—these remain hollow until backed by a culture that rewards competence. Without meritocracy, the best minds will remain underutilized, and the cycle of mediocrity will deepen.

The tragedy is that Pakistan does not lack talent. Its problem is the walls placed in front of talent. Tear down those walls, and the nation will surprise the world.

It is time we stopped paying lip service to merit and started practicing it. For every professional sidelined by nepotism, for every young graduate disheartened at the start of their career, for every woman told “this is not for you,” Pakistan owes a debt. That debt can only be paid by building a society where what you know matters more than who you know.

Until then, merit will remain under the table, and Pakistan will continue to pay the price.

Karachi Political Diary:

 Karachi Political Diary:

 Between Power Games and Public Woes

 Mubashir Mir

Pakistan’s political landscape has always been marked by turbulence, and Sindh has remained at its epicenter. Karachi, the country’s commercial capital and the heart of Sindh, is where politics, economy, and society collide most visibly. The past weeks have once again underscored this reality: a major cabinet reshuffle, a judicial degree scandal, devastating floods, and the continuing rhetoric of politicians have shaped public debate. While foreign relations, particularly with China, offer glimmers of hope, the fundamental issues of governance and public service remain unresolved.

This editorial seeks to examine these developments in detail, weighing their implications for democracy, governance, and the daily lives of citizens.

A Cabinet Reshuffle or Political Balancing?

On September 27, 2025, the Sindh government announced a significant reshuffle in its provincial cabinet. The move expanded the cabinet to 23 members and reassigned several critical portfolios.

Saeed Ghani, one of the more visible leaders of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), was shifted from the sensitive Local Government Ministry to Labour & Social Protection.

Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, already carrying the Energy portfolio, was entrusted with Local Government, effectively concentrating two powerful ministries in his hands.

Jam Khan Shoro, Minister for Irrigation, received the additional charge of Planning and Development, a department that controls billions in development spending.

Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman was reassigned to Food, replacing his previous role in Relief.

Ismail Rahoo was sworn in as Minister for Universities and Boards, while Gian Chand Israni joined as adviser. Four special assistants — Faraz Abid Lakhani, Sham Sundar, Atta Muhammad Panhwar, and Tariq Hassan — were inducted with responsibilities in IT, antiquities, relief, and minority affairs.

At face value, the reshuffle appears administrative. But in Sindh’s political tradition, such moves rarely lack deeper meaning. The Ministry of Local Government is pivotal: it controls Karachi’s development projects, municipal corporations, and urban planning — areas where political stakes are high. By moving Ghani aside and empowering Shah, the PPP has signaled both its preference for tested hands and its desire to recalibrate power within its ranks.

Yet the fundamental question remains: will this political balancing deliver tangible relief to citizens? Karachi continues to grapple with crumbling infrastructure, garbage mismanagement, water shortages, and unchecked urban sprawl. Unless the ministry’s resources are deployed with efficiency and transparency, the shuffle may amount to nothing more than musical chairs.

The Judiciary Under Fire: Jahangiri’s Degree Controversy

While Sindh reshuffled its ministers, the judiciary faced a credibility crisis. Justice Tariq Mahmood Jahangiri of the Islamabad High Court has seen his law degree from the University of Karachi revoked. The University’s Syndicate, after an investigation by the Unfair Means Committee, declared his 1987 enrollment “fraudulent.” His seat number and enrollment ID have been formally withdrawn, and he has been barred for three years from any further academic pursuits at Karachi University.

The decision is momentous. It is not merely about one judge but the institutional integrity of the judiciary. If the allegation holds, it reflects catastrophic lapses in vetting processes — how could someone with a fake credential ascend to such judicial heights? Conversely, if the allegations prove unfounded, it would reveal a coordinated attempt to tarnish judicial independence by bringing a sitting judge into disrepute.

Already, Jahangiri has been suspended from judicial duties, and the case is pending before the Supreme Judicial Council. The public, however, is watching with alarm. Trust in Pakistan’s judiciary is fragile; years of political engineering, delayed justice, and perceived bias have eroded its standing. The Jahangiri scandal, unless resolved with transparency and speed, will only deepen this distrust. For citizens who view the judiciary as the last refuge of justice, such controversies are not minor—they strike at the heart of constitutionalism.

Floods: A Recurring Tragedy

While politicians squabble and judges face scrutiny, nature has delivered yet another reminder of governance failure. Heavy monsoon rains and water releases from India have swelled the Indus River, displacing over 100,000 people in Sindh this September alone. Dozens of villages have been inundated; crops, particularly rice and cotton, have been devastated; and thousands of families are now living in makeshift camps with shortages of food, medicine, and clean drinking water.

This is not an isolated incident. In 2022, Pakistan experienced one of the worst floods in its history, killing 1,739 people and displacing millions. Damage was estimated at over $30 billion, according to the World Bank. Sindh was the hardest-hit province, with nearly half of all flood-related casualties.

Yet, three years on, little has changed. Drainage systems remain clogged, embankments unrepaired, and disaster preparedness underfunded. Relief efforts too often appear limited to photo opportunities for politicians rather than meaningful rehabilitation. International NGOs and the United Nations continue to step in with aid, but the state’s own capacity to protect its people appears stagnant.

The annual cycle of devastation demands structural solutions: investments in flood-resilient infrastructure, better urban planning, effective warning systems, and climate-resilient agriculture. Without this, Sindh’s people will continue to relive the same disaster every monsoon season.

Political Rhetoric vs. Public Service

Pakistan’s political class, meanwhile, seems trapped in rhetoric. Government and opposition leaders alike hold daily press conferences, trading accusations and hurling blame. Inflation, which crossed 20 percent in mid-2025 according to State Bank data, unemployment affecting 6.5 percent of the workforce, and a public health system stretched thin receive little sustained attention.

The recent verbal sparring between ministers of Punjab and Sindh exemplifies the malaise: much noise, little substance. The public, battered by economic stress and environmental crises, is increasingly alienated. Democratic systems rest on trust, but when citizens see politics reduced to television soundbites, faith in both governance and opposition evaporates.

Politics, in essence, is meant to be about service. In Pakistan, it has too often become an arena for power plays. The Sindh cabinet reshuffle, the Jahangiri scandal, and flood mismanagement illustrate how personal and party interests override systemic reform.

A Ray of Hope: Pak-China Relations

Amid this grim picture, foreign relations provide a rare moment of optimism. The Chinese Consulate General in Karachi recently celebrated China’s National Day with a high-profile ceremony attended by Sindh’s Chief Minister, Governor, and business leaders.

China reaffirmed its commitment to Pakistan, highlighting the ongoing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. Despite global skepticism, CPEC has already facilitated investments in energy, transport, and infrastructure worth $25 billion since 2015, according to official figures. Karachi’s port, highways linking Gwadar to the north, and power plants across Sindh stand as evidence of this cooperation.

For Pakistan, struggling with debt, inflation, and governance challenges, Chinese partnership is not just an economic necessity but also a diplomatic lifeline. The challenge is to ensure that these projects do not remain isolated enclaves of progress but instead connect with and uplift ordinary citizens — from providing jobs to improving energy supply.

Journalists Under Fire

Adding to the atmosphere of insecurity is the continuing threat to journalists. Karachi TV anchor Imtiaz Mir succumbed to injuries after a targeted shooting this month. His death is not an isolated incident: at least eight journalists have been killed in Sindh over the past two years, according to the Pakistan Press Foundation.

The trend underscores the perilous state of press freedom in Pakistan, ranked 150th out of 180 countries in the 2025 Reporters Without Borders index. Journalists investigating corruption, crime, or political excess remain particularly vulnerable. For a province already grappling with governance failures, the silencing of critical voices further erodes accountability.

Conclusion: Beyond Rhetoric to Real Service

Sindh today mirrors the larger Pakistani dilemma. Cabinet reshuffles keep party elites balanced but rarely translate into better services for citizens. Judicial scandals shake the foundations of public trust. Floods continue to expose administrative paralysis. Politicians indulge in rhetoric while people suffer in silence. Journalists pay with their lives for daring to tell the truth.

And yet, amid this bleak picture, the enduring friendship with China shows how international partnerships can serve as levers of hope. If harnessed with sincerity and strategy, they could strengthen Pakistan’s economy and perhaps inject momentum into governance.

The people of Sindh — indeed all of Pakistan — are no longer interested in power games. They want clean water, reliable electricity, functioning schools, accessible healthcare, safety in their streets, and jobs for their youth. Until the leadership shifts its priorities from rhetoric to genuine service, Pakistan’s democratic promise will remain unfulfilled.

It is time our politics evolved beyond cabinet musical chairs and verbal duels. Governance must be measured not by how well power is distributed among party loyalists, but by how effectively the lives of ordinary citizens are improved.