Some of the decisions long overdue have finally been taken by the PPP. The Amn Committee has been banned and Zulfiqar Mirza’s resignation from the Sindh Assembly accepted at Zardari’s directives. The decisions might hurt PPP’s immediate interests but were needed to bring peace in Karachi. By banning the Amn Committee the PPP-led government would now be in position to come down hard on other terrorist groups irrespective of their political affiliations. The decision would send a message to the law enforcement agencies also to proceed against all criminals without discrimination. The raid by the Rangers on Monday led to the arrest of over two score suspected criminals including target killers affiliated with a party in the ruling coalition. This was indicative of the law enforcement agencies’ confidence in government’s support. In its verdict on Karachi violence the Supreme Court had envisaged a greater role for the government in restoring peace in the financial hub of the country. The underlying perception was that the executive authority could stem the tide of criminality in Karachi if it really wanted to. The PPP has taken the first step towards the implementation of the verdict.
Other crucial steps that have yet to be taken include the depoliticisation of police and setting up a competent prosecution department. There is a need to curb the proliferation of weapons in Karachi by strictly implementing the laws already on the statue book. There is also a need for new legislation to discourage land grabbing. It is yet to be seen if the government can act in disregard of political exigencies that have so far stood in its way.
With the PPP taking a courageous step to restore peace in Karachi, all eyes are now riveted on other political parties who maintain militant wings. Foremost among them is the MQM. The party which introduced violence in politics by calling on its activists to sell the TVs to buy Kalashnikovs has to realise that the precedence set by it has been followed by a number of parties, particularly the religious outfits. It is time the MQM renounces violence as a policy option. This would hopefully encourage others to follow suit.