The city that never stops burning
The target this time was a completely peaceful procession led by the Awami Tehrik and PAC called “Love Sindh’ rally. The procession was not against any political party or ethnic group. It was reportedly joined by representatives of the PML(N) and Balochistan National Party. A section of the Urdu speaking population was also a part of the march. This was meant to send the message that none in this country supported the distortion of the historical identity of Sindh. As Section 144 had not been imposed on the city, the marchers were perfectly within their right to take out the rally. To target them was a terrorist act, pure and simple. There is a widespread perception that it was targeted by some of the violent supporters of Mohajir province. A handful of women agitated for a separate Urdu speaking province in Karachi recently. Pamphlets were distributed and graffiti appeared in certain areas in favour of the demand. But no known political party has been willing to own these activities.
When Mohajir Qaumi Movement renamed itself as Muttahida Qaumi Movement, some thought that it had undergone a change of heart and was willing to act as a mainstream party. Its proactive support for the Seraiki Province and Hazara province led to accusations that the party had undergone a relapse and was in fact paving the way for a separate province in Sindh. The party MPAs also refused to sign the unanimous resolution adopted by the Sindh Assembly against the division off Sindh. Unless the MQM issues a definitive statement on the issue of the Mohajr province, suspicions will continue to be aired about its possible role in Tuesday’s incident.
The killings have led to countrywide condemnations and a strike in several cities of Sindh. Rehman Malik’s announcement of a thorough and impartial probe by a joint investigation team would seem hollow after his partisan claim that the PML(N) was spreading unrest in Sindh and would be accountable for the killings in Karachi. The city has suffered a lot due to the political exigencies of the ruling coalition. There is a need to take decisions irrespective of party interests. Unless this happens, Sindh could become the number one problem province of Pakistan.
