Despite the MQM having returned to the fold of the ruling alliance, there has been no let up in the target killings in Karachi. This makes people ask what happened to the committee set up o bring peace to the bleeding city, with Rehman Malik as its coordinator. Peoples Amn Committee (PAC), accused of being responsible for violence in the city, has been banned, as desired by the MQM. On Thursday, 13 more people were killed bringing the total number of violent deaths in six days to 63. Among those killed were activist of the MQMs rival Haqiqi group, Sunni Tehreek and PPP. Two police officers were also shot in separate incidents. At least one of the two, whose son also died, was a victim of target killing as those who entered his house did not resort to looting.
People are least interested in whether the coalition in Sindh comprises two, three or more parties. What concerns them are the killings which then lead to reprisals, acts of arson and strikes. Karachi being the industrial hub of the country, the least that one expects from the provincial government is that it would maintain peace and provide security of life to Karachiites. People belonging to all provinces live and work in the city. The unending killing spree is therefore a cause of worry for the entire country.
A major reason behind the deterioration of law and order is an absence of genuine understanding between the three coalition partners. The recent directive from Zardari to accommodate MQMs demands was strongly resented by the provincial PPP and ANP. Zulfiqar Mirza and a number of party stalwarts registered their protest by remaining absent from the house on the day when the MQM returned to the Provincial Assemblys sitting. On Thursday, Mirza again lavished praises on the PAC and its members. What is badly required is firm action against anyone who indulges in crime irrespective of his party affiliations. This is not possible unless all coalition partners are on the same page.
