As if Karachi needs more
The latest spat involving MQM leader Farooq Sattar and the Rangers seems a kind of prelude to a bigger, deeper incident. Diverging representation of facts and sequence of events often occur initially when opposing parties try to float narratives of their liking; with crucial details usually taking longer to emerge. How is it possible, for example, that Sattar has repeatedly accused Rangers of raiding his home – without reason – and roughing up some of his guards, while Rangers reply that the raid was two lanes away, and an important target killer, (an important politician’s “right hand man”), has been arrested? Why such discrepancy? The ambiguity means either position could be true. It might be that the raid upset the politician for very obvious reasons. And it is just as likely that our law enforcement agencies, never known for their subtlety, are overplaying their hand, as usual.
But the MQM is a different kettle of fish than your average Karachi political party with an armed wing – and there’s no political party in the metropolis without a mini army. MQM is also a political behemoth. Its clout ensures diplomatic muscle across the political landscape, and it has done progressive business with many parties in the centre. It is also the only party that allows ordinary working class people to climb up the political ladder. And while its turf war tendencies have allegedly played no small part in keeping Karachi in perpetual chaos, it has also been the only party to continuously warn about Talibanisation of the city. Its members have also, for better or for worse, limited TTP advances in the south, especially when the police seemed incapable, or unwilling, to take the bull by the horns.
Prudence now dictates that the law takes its course. A thorough probe must be conducted that will settle rumours and presumptions once and for all. It must be known who and what the Rangers were looking for, and how close or far they were from Sattar’s house. And once the investigation is complete, strict legal action should follow. This exercise must not, however, compromise the Karachi operation, which has already not been much to write home about. All efforts must be made to cleanse and safeguard the port city. It has already suffered more than its share.