Change, as always, comes from within
The operation in Karachi will in the long run have a positive impact on politics in urban Sindh. A few days back the Rangers claimed having arrested 654 MQM-affiliated target killers involved in 5,863 incidents. Similarly several Lyari gang leaders and their minions have either been arrested or eliminated. Those involved in china cutting, kidnapping for ransom and extortion have also received a heavy blow. The operation has thus created an environment conducive for the working of peaceful parliamentary parties. Before the operation no MQM leader could differ with Altaf Hussain and still hold party office.
It is time MQM leaders in Pakistan start taking political decisions on their own instead of accepting dictation from a man with a sick mind. This is a difficult task requiring political shrewdness as the vast majority of the MQM rank and file and its voters still continue under Altaf Hussain’s spell. Pak Sarzamin Party which tried to confront Altaf Hussain head on singularly failed to make any dent in MQM’s vote bank despite the full backing of the establishment. The ‘minus one’ formula cannot be imposed artificially. The MQM members are to be educated over time to affect the desired change of leadership themselves. The government of course must in no case ignore any violation of law. It should however desist from arresting MQM leaders or activists simply on account of their views. Similarly the MQM offices must not be closed without a solid proof of illegality.
The MQM thrives on the idea of perceived injustices perpetrated on the Mohajir community. Fallacious ideas can neither be banned nor put behind the bars. These have to be fought and defeated through peaceful public debate. It would be counterproductive and harmful to ban the MQM which enjoys widespread support in urban Sindh. The ban imposed on National Awami Party had proved futile as it re-emerged within years as Awami National Party. The MQM should be encouraged to act as a part of the mainstream politics rather than forced to go underground.
Thanks for a balanced editorial
Of course Dr. Farooq Sattar is right to claim that locking up/sealing/demolition of structures declared illegal should be done on merits of the case and in pursuance of a logical policy, and not determined on the basis of whims and fancies of some officials, no matter how powerful.
According to various press reports, some madrassas in Karachi have been found to be connected with spreading radicalism and extremism which leads to terrorism that has costs us
over 60,000 innocent men, women and children and soldiers including a Maj-Gen. killed and more than $ 100 billion worth of damage to the country's economy.
It is also a fact that the vast majority of these madrassa complexes has been built on illegally-occupied land.
Yet has any one, from any sector of the law enforcers or from among the bravest of the bravest dared to demolish such a structure in Karachi, despite colossal damage to the country from this source in the past, and which damage is still continuing?
Karachi.
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