This is with reference to the political turmoil created after Zulfiqar Mirza’s statement on the issue of target killings, kidnapping for ransom, bhatta and the criminals responsible for these heinous crimes. Karachi has, for years, witnessed the relentless reign of terror let loose since the late 80s, and the unfortunate reality is that this has the patronage of leading political stakeholders of this city. If this was just the act of criminals, mafias or land grabbing gangs, they would not only have been caught, but also would have been the basic demand of politicians and a major issue for those who lay political claims to this unfortunate city.
Karachi was once the most peaceful and crime free city of Pakistan till the ethnic politics consumed this city with terror gangs started harassment and their nefarious activities. These crimes escalate whenever there are elections, and fear is used as a tool to claim their political foothold. Certain areas are declared No-Go areas and the city is divided into territories traumatized by criminals while the police and other law enforcement agencies look the other way. The writ of the state is flouted in Karachi so often that it has been unfortunately accepted as a political reality.
What Zulfiqar Mirza has stated is the ugly stark reality, whatever his political motives maybe. That he has failed to provide security to the citizens of Karachi is also a reality. It is also a reality that the constitutional Chief Justice of Pakistan could not dare enter the city on 12 May while the whole city was terrorised and several scores were killed in broad daylight. On 12 May, the country was ruled by a military dictator who in the evening triumphantly rejoiced his show of power.
Everybody in this country, including the khakis, is responsible for destroying Karachi’s peace including its political stakeholders. Every civil or military government since the time of Zia-ul-Haq is responsible for this sin which has wrecked the lives and peace of Karachi’s residents. What Karachi needs is the rule of law, zero-tolerance for crime, eradication of criminal gangs and their prosecution by the state.
ALI MALIK TARIQ
Lahore