Good for everyone
The Rangers have discovered that they had put more on their plate than they could chew by simultaneously taking on both the MQM and PPP. The operation against the MQM’s militant wing went on well as the party had already accumulated a country-wide reputation for target killings, extortion and land grabbing. What is more, the operation had the tacit support of the PPP which rules Sindh. The announcement that some of the top personalities of Sindh were collecting billions of rupees through civil servants and gang lords, and nurturing and sheltering organised crime and terrorism in Karachi, raised alarm all over Sindh. Scores of public servants and PPP politicians sought pre-arrest bails from SHC. There were rumours of the NAB calling the IGP for questioning.
A perception was created that evidence was being collected to target PPP’s top leadership. Sections of media hostile to the party initiated a campaign to demonise it. This led Zardari to conclude that the campaign enjoyed the tacit support of the army. The PPP chief launched a broadside against the military leadership while the CM Sindh told media that his government might not agree to an extension of the Rangers powers. A head-on clash seemed imminent.
With better judgment prevailing the showdown has been averted, at least for the time being. Both the Rangers and Sindh government have realised that Karachi is too big a city to be managed by either of them alone. A modus vivendi was worked out during a meeting between PPP Co-chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Qaim Ali Shah and Corps Commander Karachi. The operation against the MQM’s militant wing and its supporters will continue with the PPP’s support. Raids would henceforth be conducted only after informing the Chief Minister. The Rangers powers have been extended for thirty days but restricted to Karachi only and Sindh Assembly would take the final decision about the Rangers’ powers.
For both sides the agreement is less than satisfactory. It remains to be seen how long it lasts.