Karachi, Pakistan – Renowned actor Imran Abbas has weighed in on the ongoing debate over Karachi’s governance, urging political leaders to address the city’s deep-rooted problems with the same urgency and attention they often give to satirical commentary by comedians like Tabish Hashmi.
The controversy erupted after Hashmi made remarks on a television programme about Karachi’s administration, following a tragic fire at Gul Plaza that claimed dozens of lives and caused massive destruction. The comedian jokingly suggested that Karachi could be “privatised” and that ordinary citizens might manage the city better than the authorities currently do. While intended as satire, the comments triggered sharp criticism from political figures, highlighting the tension between public scrutiny and governance.
Abbas took to social media to express his views, stating that if politicians applied even a fraction of the seriousness they show when responding to jokes, they might finally begin to address the real challenges affecting Karachi’s residents. He emphasised that issues like crumbling infrastructure, poor municipal services, and administrative inefficiencies deserve far more attention than isolated satirical remarks.
The backlash against Hashmi’s comments was led by Sindh Information and Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, who labelled the comedian’s remarks as “foolish” and claimed he lacked understanding of Sindh’s constitutional and administrative framework. The minister also urged the channel airing the programme to conduct an internal review, escalating the debate in both mainstream media and online platforms.
Supporters of Hashmi, including Abbas, argue that the comedian’s critique was never meant to be taken literally. Instead, it served as a reflection of the frustrations felt by ordinary Karachiites who have long endured inadequate governance and limited accountability. Many citizens have echoed the sentiment, saying that their everyday struggles with civic issues are overlooked while politicians focus on controversies unrelated to their real needs.
Abbas’ intervention has reignited discussions about the responsibility of political leaders and the importance of engaging with public criticism constructively. By drawing attention to the contrast between the treatment of satirical commentary and actual civic issues, he highlighted a broader concern: that Karachi’s residents continue to face ongoing crises that demand serious policy attention, planning, and action.
As the conversation continues across media and social platforms, the debate underscores the wider challenges of governance, accountability, and civic responsibility in Pakistan’s largest city. Citizens and commentators alike are urging leaders to shift their focus from political posturing to tangible solutions for Karachi’s pressing problems.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.