Handle with care
If the government – which obviously knew about the Nine Zero raid – did not foresee the subsequent spat of words that is now degenerating, it’s due diligence was just not up to the mark. Suddenly cornered, lashing out at the Rangers was MQM’s most natural response, especially when it is not the only political party known for its gun-running, not the least in the port city. That is why the situation must be handled with the greatest care. Ch Nisar could have moved the pieces far more effectively. Rather than creating a situation where he’s involved in an ungraceful back-and-forth with the MQM leadership, the government could have just let the law take its course, especially when, seemingly, it is in possession of compelling evidence.
The sudden raid in the dark of the night has now more than just MQM worried. Obviously a lot of planning (and secrecy) went into the operation. And, going by reports allegedly leaked to sections of the press, it is with good reason that rumours of other parties being ‘hit’ soon are doing the rounds. Little surprise, in hindsight, what while all political forces accepted the justification behind the raid, the ruling party in Sindh was not too happy about the manner in which it was carried out. Are we really to expect the net expanding?
While the confusion grows Karachi, of course, once again becomes problematic. The MQM, on its part, must now carry out a thorough overhaul if it is to survive. The party’s disconnect with the far-away leader, it’s hosting of criminals, its reputation of extortion, etc, has turned it into a very different animal from the political force that once strengthened and empowered the urban middle class in its area of influence. And after the raid, it’s aura of invincibility is also gone. It is now important that it is not victimised. This operation must expand to obstruct all those whose political cover has been misused and abused. Anything less will fall short of justice, which will automatically make the government guilty of not following the law.