Indiscriminate and decisive
The CJ and the COAS have rightly underlined the need for action against the killers and extortionists in Karachi without discrimination. In a situation where killers and extortionists enjoy political backing, no operation can succeed unless there is an end to political interference. With the parties in the ruling coalition being a part of the problem, collapse of the government machinery was bound to be the outcome. During July and August over three hundred people died in target killings while bhatta continued to be collected despite government’s warnings. Law enforcement agencies arrested target killers, a Joint Investigation Team comprising top intelligence agencies questioned them, the accused made confessions and revealed the names of their patrons but no effective action was taken either against the pawns or the actual players. Most recently three target killers affiliated with a political party were caught attacking a police van and killing elite force personnel but they have not been nominated in the FIR after more than two weeks. The IG Sindh has acknowledged that no-go-areas still exist in Karachi but nothing has been done to open them up. This is enough to show that what is needed in Karachi is action against the criminals without political considerations.
An MQM spokesman has denied the charges levelled against his party, accused the TV anchors of conducting a media trial and implied that unless this is stopped, the party might once again return to its ethnic cocoon. This again underlines the need for the Rangers’ action to be across the board and transparent. In case the Rangers fail, even those unwilling to support the induction of the army would be left with no other choice. The Rangers’ operation has led to a reduction in the killings while extortion has ceased for the time being. But as the DG Rangers has maintained, the respite is temporary as the criminals are simply waiting out the operation. He has asked for the extension of powers to the Rangers for a longer period.
Deployment of Rangers is a costly exercise and has to be maintained only for as long as absolutely necessary. Meanwhile, the police force has to be depoliticised, upgraded and provided the needed equipment to take over from the Rangers.