A meaningful response to any form of violence is that which is based on the exact understanding of the roots of violence and the precise characteristics of the perpetrators along with the exposition of the repressive institutes of the state that favour such acts of violence.
In situations such as that prevalent in Karachi, one needs to realise that to provide a workable strategy for reversing the trend of violence, the dynamics of the city have to be viewed comprehensively and profoundly.
Apart from the enfeeblement of the state institutions what makes Karachi more uniquely volatile is the presence of militant wings of almost all political parties operating.
These militant appendages according to Imran Khan, “is the root cause of unabated violence” in the city. The Mutahidda, being the strongest political party in Karachi, is being termed as the pioneers of belligerence in Karachi by institutionalising a political wing and becoming the forerunner in organising and funding land and extortion mafias.
In this background the comments made by Zulfiqar Mirza, however shocking, must be taken into consideration and evaluated for authenticity. Brushing it aside as theatrical histrionics would be sheer stupidity as in such turbulent times any piece of information may lead to startling conclusions.
At this stage Pakistan needs a two-pronged policy based on the model provided by Eqbal Ahmad to be pursued simultaneously. “A carefully planned and methodically executed program of reform aimed at removing the root causes of the proliferation of violence in society, and improvement in the investigative, preventive and prosecutorial capabilities of security and intelligence agencies, and the administration of justice.”
For this, a comprehensive military operation that de-weaponises and disempowers the militant elements regardless of political affiliations needs to be initiated which would be the short term, yet be the most significant step, followed by the long term phase. This phase would comprise of two steps.
First, the responsibility of the anti-terror courts needs to be undertaken by the higher judiciary, keeping in mind the previous cases that have been instrumental in acquitting hardcore criminals, thus aiding violence.
The capacity of the courts needs to be increased by making them more resourceful and free from political influence. The confidence of witnesses and prosecutors ought to be built by providing them security and confidentiality so that they may face no harm in the process.
Second, the police force needs to be cleared from political influence too by making appointments merit based and transparent. This is the only hindrance in the path of the civilian law enforcers that keeps them from performing to their utmost. With just a little bit of support from the leadership this gripping violence can abate within no time never to emerge again.
LUBNA UMAR
Islamabad
