Arif Nizami in his article “The city of blights” has given a true picture of Karachi and has expertly summed up the reasons behind this violence which has resulted in deaths of over 100 innocent people. The writer has explained the psyche of MQM and ANP the two rival groups and their modus operandi. It is true that the MQM, being in coalition with the PPP, enjoyed full authority over the province and got whatever they demanded. Gen Musharraf obliged them with new demarcation of constituencies and presented them with the gift of running the city government. He used them to strengthen his rule but could not survive because of mounting pressure from lawyers and civil society.
The whole scenario changed when the PML(Q) joined the PPP after resignation of MQM members. The main issue is the control of Karachi. Both ANP and MQM are in a position to paralyse the government and bring the city to a halt. Once it happens its tremors reach fast to the rest of the country creating problems for the government and the people. Azad Kashmir election was just an excuse, the main issue was the abolition of Police Order and the revival of old system of loval government.
Nawaz Sharif as usual continues to lose his popularity and talks against most of the parties along with harsh criticism on army. His joining hands with the MQM reflects poor on his politicking. His own senior party members have certain reservations. He continues harping on the same old tune that the government should complete its five-year term at all costs. If that is so, then what is the issue? Why these alliances? Why hold press conferences against the government? PML(N) must understand that they are getting isolated even in Punjab, their only stronghold.
For the peace in Karachi, all the parties have to be taken on board, especially the MQM, ANP and PPP. Calling Rangers is no solution, these are all temporary measures and have failed in the past and are bound to fail this time too. The government has to take a decision whether they want peace in Karachi or allow law breakers to rule the province. Under the circumstances there is just one solution: start from point A and move to point Z, surround the area and carry out house to house search and recover weapons. Weapons so recovered and the terrorists arrested must be shown on TV on daily basis. It may take sometime but nothing short of this will work. It is the responsibility of the government to provide security to the people and if it fails, it should be prepared to face the consequences.
MUKHTAR AHMED
Karachi
While Arif Nizami has made a correct assesment, he has missed what is the real bone of contention, which is the Rs70 Billion budget for Karachi's annual development. For 4 days a part of Karachi became hell for those living there, but the PPP led government failed miserably to enforce the writ of law.
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