Political Analyst Dr Moeed Pirzada:
Altaf Hussain must come up with a better political vision instead of repeating old slogans and threats that have no real effect in the changed national and regional dynamics. For instance the loss of control on media platforms that no longer broadcast his outbursts live from London has severely curtailed Altaf Hussain’s threat perception and needs deep reflection by the MQM leadership.
MQM leadership needs deep reflection; it continues to be Karachi’s most popular party; it represents the educated middle classes and its best bet is to have a strategy that allows it to connect with middle class feelings and politics across Pakistan.
Sindh Information Minister Nisar Khoro:
PPP reconciled with every political force for strengthening democracy but we cannot support a political party which is asking for India’s help to intervene in our country. We consider it a war on our sovereignty and will not support any particular force asking for such help
Media Analyst Adnan Rehmat:
Karachi serves as a barometer of Pakistan’s political and economic credentials. The current drive — the most serious effort in two decades — to decriminalise politics and to undermine the debilitating effects of militancy (terrorism, sectarianism and ethnic violence) is an extremely important one. There will be political and social casualties (investigations, arrests and trials — even deaths) in the short term but this will create enough space for key stakeholders to dramatically improve governance and performance. The inept government of PPP in Sindh and the standing of MQM are both taking a hit.
Corps Commander Karachi Lieutenant General Naveed Mukhtar
The ongoing operation in Karachi against criminal elements is completely apolitical and indiscriminate. The operation is free from any compromise and pressure. Terrorists, their facilitators and financiers are the targets, and we will spare no effort to pursue them. The Rangers was a commendable institution which was evident from its outstanding performance.
Journalist and Defence Analyst Ali Kamran Chishti:
Karachi’s situation has improved with the intervention of the federal government and Rangers. There’s a command and control centre setup by Rangers, MI, ISI, FIA, MSA who are conducting this operation. And the results are there but for the long term stability of Karachi there has to be serious police reforms; de-politicisation of the police and some sort of arrangement between urban-rural administration for a long-term and permanent settlement of the Karachi issue.
