Karachi, Pakistan (Report by Syed Mahboob Ahmad Chishti) — In a striking display of insensitivity, the Mayor of Karachi, Murtaza Wahab, has turned retired municipal employees into a cautionary tale, as a severe power struggle between the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and Town Municipal Corporations (TMCs) unfolds. These municipal bodies, embroiled in political squabbling, have besmirched the legacy of workers who have dedicated their lives to public service.
The retired employees, once the backbone of the city’s municipal operations, have been left adrift, as they navigate the convoluted bureaucracy in pursuit of their pensions and other dues. Moreover, since the dissolution of the District Municipal Corporations (DMCs) post-2014, many retirees have not received their gratuity, and those seeking pensions are being turned away by the TMCs due to a lack of funds.
The retirees, who have spent their entire careers serving the municipal bodies, find themselves in a dire situation. With the KMC absolving itself of any responsibility and the defunct DMCs no longer in operation, the retirees are compelled to approach the TMCs. However, these corporations are refusing to process pension cases, citing financial constraints and instructing the retirees to take their concerns to the KMC.
The plight of these retired workers is a testament to the breakdown in administrative responsibilities and the urgent need for intervention by higher authorities. They appeal to the Chief Minister of Sindh and the Sindh Minister for Local Government to play their part in resolving this crisis. Their demand is for a systematic and reliable mechanism for the payment of their rightful dues, ensuring they are not forced to lead their post-retirement years in distress and instability.
This situation not only affects the lives of the retired employees but also sets a concerning precedent for current and future municipal workers. It underscores the necessity for a robust administrative framework that protects the rights and welfare of public servants, both during their service and after retirement.
The retirees are calling for immediate action to rectify this situation, urging the relevant authorities to enforce regulations that will ensure the TMCs fulfill their obligations. It is a call for justice and respect for those who have devoted their lives to the city’s municipal services, and a reminder of the critical role that effective governance plays in maintaining the social contract between the state and its employees.
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