Failure is not an option
The ongoing operation by the Rangers in Karachi can only succeed if it is totally free from political intervention. The government is reportedly continuing to hold talks with the MQM to try to bring it back to the ruling coalition. Gangs of criminals have also reportedly been operating from the constituencies of important politicians. Political exigencies however must not be allowed to interfere with the independent working of the law enforcement agencies. Unless this is done, the operation’s success cannot be ensured. In case the Rangers fail in their mission, demands for calling in the army would increase.
A few days back, Gen Kayani expressed concern over the Karachi situation and said that the army was waiting for a signal from the government to help the administration. The concern was in fact shared by the whole country. Gen Kayani is now in Karachi to seek a briefing from the Corps Headquarters on the situation. This is understandable; since Karachi is the country’s industrial hub and major coastal city, its decline affects all institutions. The federal and the Sindh governments and most of the political parties including PPP’s arch rival PML(N) have opposed army’s induction in Karachi. So has the leadership of the legal community. Everyone is now waiting for the outcome of what is being described as a surgical operation in the violence hit areas ordered by the provincial government and fully supported by the federal cabinet.
Taking suo motu notice of the disturbing events in Karachi that have led to the killing of over a hundred people in just a week, CJ Iftikhar Chaudhry has constituted a five member SC bench chaired by himself. He has directed the Attorney General to submit to the court on Friday a comprehensive report on the issue. This is yet another expression of trepidation caused by the grave situation. The move must push the government to do its utmost to remove the perception of the apex court based on media reports that the executive has failed to protect the life, liberty, dignity, property and freedom of the general public.
