The suspension of business activity and closure of markets in the provincial capital on Tuesday on the strike called by All Karachi Tajir Ittehad to condemn the rising incidents of extortion, kidnapping for ransom and robberies should be a cause of concern for the Sindh ruling coalition. The shutter-down caused an estimated loss of Rs 3 billion to the economy.
The situation turned ugly when traders in the rival groups clashed at Polo Ground after the Karachi Chambers of Commerce and Industry backtracked from its promise to observe strike on the administrations assurance to protect traders and crack down on extortionists. The business community observed strike at a time when the countrys commercial hub is already blighted with gang battles and target killings but the police remains complacent while the law and order situation is deteriorating alarmingly. Whats surprising was that both MQM and ANP, which otherwise keep blaming each other for extending patronage to the elements involved in criminal activities, expressed solidarity with the striking traders and condemned the rising incidents of extortion and kidnapping. Living up to its reputation of issuing ultimatums, MQM has warned the federal government that it would announce its future strategy if the situation doesnt improve in two days. But the Party which recently returned to the folds of coalition cannot exonerate itself of the responsibility of restoring peace in the city that has always remained under its control.
This doesnt mean that the PPP has no role to play in ensuring security and safety of the people of Karachi. It cannot simply look the other way while its smaller partners continue to patronise the powerful groups operating in the provincial capital. The ruling leadership needs to understand that with the country already facing a multifaceted crisis, our economy cannot afford the disruption the business shutdowns can afflict. Matters of governance will have to be given precedence over political interests before it gets too late.
