Comedian Tabish Hashmi stirred the debate during his appearance on a show on January 20, making remarks critical of Karachi’s municipal authorities.

He suggested that the city be “privatised” like PIA and that citizens could pool funds to run it, claiming it could not be managed worse than it currently is. This triggered the Tabish Hashmi Karachi privatization controversy.

Sindh Information and Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon reacted strongly, calling Hashmi “dim-witted” and “foolish,” and urging the TV channel to conduct an internal inquiry.

He criticized Hashmi for allegedly having no understanding of Sindh’s laws, history, or geography. These statements intensified the Tabish Hashmi Karachi privatization controversy online.

In response, Imran Abbas defended the comedian via Instagram on Thursday. He said politicians should address city issues with as much seriousness as they react to jokes, implying that many real problems in Karachi are being ignored.

Abbas’ intervention has fueled the Tabish Hashmi Karachi privatization controversy further among fans and social media users.

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The debate has divided public opinion, with some supporting Hashmi’s satire while others back Memon’s criticism. The discussion around the Tabish Hashmi Karachi privatization controversy highlights the ongoing tension between humor, social critique, and political sensitivity in Pakistan.