"Karachi Falling Apart" Veteran Bushra Ansari Seeks Answers From Culprits

In a heartfelt Tuesday Instagram video, the Karachi-born star (who spent years in Punjab before returning) lashed out at the city’s decades-long decay: piles of garbage, broken roads, collapsing infrastructure, and unaddressed crises plaguing the metropolis that sustains millions across Pakistan.

“For 30-40 years, we’ve heard no one cares about Karachi,” she said, calling out political parties like the MQM and Peoples Party. “Why does no one act?” Ansari fondly recalled Karachi’s post-Partition glory— a clean, harmonious hub for Parsis, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, free of “mental pollution”—a far cry from today’s reality.

Her frustration isn’t unfounded: The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) recently ranked Karachi 170th out of 173 cities on its Global Livability Index, making it the world’s fourth-worst place to live. From water shortages and traffic chaos to poverty and weak law and order, the city’s struggles are endless. Yet Ansari emphasized Karachiites remain “warm and welcoming”—even as their home deteriorates.

Extending her plea to Sindh’s government, she lamented the neglect of both Karachi and interior Sindh, where “Sindhis have no slippers, no resources, and suffer in poverty.” Tired of unkept political promises, she begged: “When will we see change? Do something—someone has to work this miracle. Why not Karachi?”

Ansari even floated the idea of a city-wide petition—then paused to ask the bitter question: “File it against whom?” Pointing out that those responsible are fellow Karachiites, she pleaded: “Don’t you love this city? When will you fix it?”

Once the “City of Lights,” Karachi has devolved into a “garbage dump,” with residents forced to accept poor infrastructure, mismanagement, and insecurity in the name of “resilience.” But through Ansari’s voice, one truth shines: Every Karachiite aches to see their city thrive again.