Karachi has seen unprecedented increase in Taliban attacks on security forces and other important targets in last few weeks. Is this city also going to face the fate of Peshawar? Sure, no one would like to think on that line but sadly that’s a reality we are facing now, not in distant future. There is a remarkable but fateful commonality in the situation being faced by these two unfortunate cities. Peshawar has been under siege since last decade by the tribes living just few kilometres from its outskirts. This ease of accessibility and ability to attack and disappear in the tribal areas has made Peshawar an inhospitable place for its peaceful residents.
Unfortunately Karachi is being changed into another large size bastion for Pakistani Taliban (TTP). Militants, IDPs and other migrants from tribal areas have occupied around 1,200 square kilometres around metropolis Karachi, say one-third of Karachi wherein 2.5 million people live now under TTP. Major factions of TTP, from Mehsud and Mohmand tribes, and Swati Taliban are operating along with scores of sectarian outfits to raise funds for their brethren in North West and elsewhere in the country. They are involved in widespread extortions, bank robberies, land grabbing and kidnappings. It’s being reported that they are running their own courts in the areas under their influence, handing out judgements while forcing the local residents to comply.
Awami National Party (ANP) has been a prominent Pashtun based left-wing-cum-nationalistic party in Karachi. However, it has been completely routed out by TTP. MQM, a long time rival of ANP, shall not celebrate ANP’s ouster anymore; it’s their turn now. It’s not only MQM’s turn but of every liberal, enlightened Karachiite to worry about his/her honour, security and lifestyle.
Forces of darkness are now unleashed upon Karachi.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia