It has been long since Karachi and strikes have become synonymous. I remember when we had to go to school and colleges and suddenly there was an announcement that tomorrow is a strike and we began to enjoy that we got a holiday. Now I realise that it has been a serious ailment for our country.
All economic and social activities remain paralysed for the whole day. Some times riots spread as public buses and property are set ablaze, probably to ensure the success of strike.
In Karachi, strikes have been the source of major losses. The industrial zone had to suffer a loss of Rs 350 million to Rs 400 million on account of the strike. President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reportedly said that since July 1, 2010 economic activities in the city remained paralysed for almost 10 days and no production was observed during these days in the city. Since July 2010 the country has faced a loss of about Rs 18 billion on account of taxes to the federal government, however almost Rs 25 billion to Rs 30 billion losses were reported in terms of production losses only from Karachi during these days. Also during exam season parents had to face difficulty to send their children to examination centres, which are usually far away. As no transport is available, it becomes an anxiety for parents.
A city from where 80 percent of exports of various products are made and generates about 70 percent of the country's total revenue should not be left at the mercy of political groups. Sindh government is doing nothing to ensure peaceful business environment for a better economy.
The situation should be handled with responsibility and strike to paralyse the whole city by threatening and damaging public property should be counted as a crime and the political parties or any one who called for strike should be held responsible. The city administration and federal government have to be efficient on the issue. They should not be puppets in the hands of political parties or transporters. Strike should be banned like pillion riding.