By: Nuzair Jamro
It is no new that Sindh Province has been of paramount importance in the development of Pakistan soon after the independence. Shikarpur, the historical city of the province, had not spared its contribution to the economic and educational upliftment of the nation. History witnessed that all the administrated posts were headed by people who belong to Shikarpur due to the quality education and high literacy of the city.
The city administration has made headways, it is high time, government, civil society, and youth must work in tendon and with sympathy to restore the glory of the city by eradicating the Root and Branch of the existing flaw effectively, and by enhancing their role in its developing with heart and soul.
The City has been known for the economic corridor of developing countries that used to connect Asian states as China Pakistan Economic corridor of today in Contemporary era. it was one of the largest trade centers that lead the import and export of the country.
Retrospectively, the Solid Waste management and drainage system of the existing city were exemplary for the rest of the cities. The cleanness and well development of roads and narrow streets around the city was no less than an epitome of beauty and dedication. The Covered Market, known as Dakh Bazaar, was a great model of art due to its woodwork of pure teak. This was the reason behind its recognization as Paris of Sindh Province.
Woefully, the city has lost its glory in the 21st century due to a lack of literacy and other basic facilities for survival. most of the educated people migrated to big cities for better lifestyles and advanced education and health facilitation.
As of today, the city has hardly any well-equipped library for Girls particularly CSS and PMS aspirants. The existing library for boys consists of outdated books which are no longer fruitful in competitive exams.
The city was famous for Pickle production, being exported across the globe, due to the quality of ground water. Unfortunately, because of poor waste management, outdated drained lines and improper landfills including dumping grounds, the water quality across the city has been severely affected. The TDS level in water for the suitability for Drinking purposes is ranging from 250 to 300. However, the Existing TDS level in ground water of the city spiked to 1000; it remains no more potable water.
To cut to the chase, the situation facing Shikarpur, former Paris of Sindh, calls for extra ordinary measures. The city administration has made headways, it is high time, government, civil society, and youth must work in tendon and with sympathy to restore the glory of the city by eradicating the Root and Branch of the existing flaw effectively, and by enhancing their role in its developing with heart and soul.
The writer is a Civil servant based in Shikarpur city, Sindh. He can be reached at [email protected]