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Karachi's Broken Roads: A City on the Brink of Collapse

Karachi is facing a severe infrastructure crisis with heavily damaged roads across multiple districts, exposing years of official neglect. The arrival of sacrificial animals for Eid has worsened the situation, with potholes and debris making roads nearly impassable. Citizens blame the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) for destructive excavation work that has ruined even newly built roads. Traffic congestion has intensified on major arteries, while urban planners accuse municipal authorities of poor coordination and misuse of public funds.

Key Points: Karachi Infrastructure Crisis: Broken Roads Expose Governance Failure

  • Karachi roads severely damaged with potholes and debris
  • Utility company SSGC blamed for widespread excavation
  • Citizens fear worsening chaos during Eid livestock movement
  • Traffic congestion on major arteries like University Road
  • Urban planners accuse municipal authorities of misuse of funds
2 min read

Pakistan: Karachi sinks into chaos as broken roads expose governance failure

Karachi's crumbling roads and potholes expose years of official neglect. Citizens fear chaos as Eid approaches, with utility digging and poor coordination worsening the crisis.

"Karachi's streets are riddled with potholes, broken asphalt and incomplete excavation sites - The Express Tribune"

Karachi, May 13

Karachi is grappling with a worsening infrastructure crisis, with severely damaged roads across the city exposing what residents describe as years of official neglect and administrative failure.

The arrival of sacrificial animals has already begun in several areas, but the city's crumbling road network is struggling to cope even before Eid-related activity reaches its peak, as reported by The Express Tribune.

According to The Express Tribune, instead of smooth roads supporting the transportation of livestock and easing public movement during the festive season, Karachi's streets are riddled with potholes, broken asphalt and incomplete excavation sites.

Citizens fear the situation will spiral further once temporary cattle markets expand, animal movement increases, and post-slaughter waste starts accumulating on already damaged roads. Residents across multiple districts say the city's infrastructure has worsened to an alarming level.

Major roads and inner streets in North Karachi, North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, Gulberg and the Federal B Area have become nearly impassable due to long-neglected maintenance and repeated digging by utility agencies.

Citizens have particularly blamed the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) for widespread excavation work that has left even newly built roads destroyed.

The crisis extends beyond central districts. In Korangi, Landhi, Malir and Shah Faisal Colony, roads have reportedly disappeared beneath layers of debris and damaged asphalt, while sewage water mixed with broken road surfaces has intensified public hardship in Lyari, Ranchore Line and Shershah.

Western districts such as Orangi Town, Baldia Town and Gadap remain in equally poor condition despite the presence of elected local governments, as cited by The Express Tribune.

Traffic congestion has also worsened on major arteries, including University Road, MA Jinnah Road and Rashid Minhas Road, where prolonged development work and road digging continue without effective restoration.

Urban planners and residents have accused municipal authorities of poor coordination, weak oversight and misuse of public funds collected through road-cutting charges, as reported by The Express Tribune.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

J
James A
As someone who works in infrastructure development in the US, this is painful to read. Broken roads, incomplete excavation, and mismanaged public funds are a recipe for disaster. The fact that this is happening before a major religious festival like Eid only adds to the human cost. I hope the authorities in Karachi learn from other developing cities that have tackled similar issues through better planning and accountability.
P
Priya S
The situation in Karachi reminds me of how infrastructure decay affects every aspect of life. From transporting livestock for Eid to children going to school, everything becomes a struggle. The blame on SSGC for repeated digging is valid—in India too, we see similar issues with utility companies leaving roads in shambles. But at least here, there's usually some accountability. This level of neglect is alarming. 🥺
S
Sarah B
I've traveled to Karachi for work a few times, and this report doesn't surprise me. The traffic on University Road and MA Jinnah Road was already a nightmare two years ago. It's frustrating to see that nothing has improved—actually, it seems worse. The authorities collecting road-cutting charges but failing to restore roads is a classic case of corruption and mismanagement. People's lives are being disrupted daily.
V
Vikram M
This is what happens when governance fails at every level. In India, we have our share of problems—especially in smaller cities—but at least in most metros, there's continuous maintenance and some level of accountability. Karachi's situation, with different districts all reporting the same issues, indicates a systemic breakdown. The people deserve better, especially during a festive time like Eid. May the situation improve soon. 🙏
M

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