Imran Farooq case

Breakthrough?

Once again there is news of progress in the Imran Farooq murder case. If, indeed, the two people nabbed by FC at the Afghan border were as central to the killing as the press seems to believe, the legal process will spring into action sooner rather than later, and more will come to light. But if this is a continuation of other incidents – where law enforcement agencies made big claims which were not followed through – then there will be yet more confusion in Karachi.

No doubt authorities in Islamabad realise how tense the situation in Karachi has become. First the axe came down on MQM with the Rangers raid on Nine-Zero. Then there were ominous claims, like MQM leaders giving go-aheads for assassinations at a prominent leader’s home. Then there were threats from the ISPR of legal action. Yet there was no follow through. More recently, the PPP co-chairman’s outburst further muddied the waters, making the situation even more flammable. Therefore, new claims of headway in the Farooq case must be treated with caution. No doubt it will stir unrest in MQM, and subsequently in much of Karachi.

The most prudent way to proceed would be to debrief the suspects and turn whatever evidence is gathered to relevant arms of the law. That will not only remove any apprehensions regarding victimisation – which were not taken into account during much of the so called Karachi operation – but also set an important precedent. Nobody can deny Karachi is in need of cleansing. And once the legal route is adopted – instead of political confrontation – the ‘operation’ can be taken forward, netting other individuals and parties involved in crime. The coming days will tell how the Farooq case will proceed. Not only many in Pakistan but a few in Scotland Yard will eagerly await whatever is milked from these suspects. And if Islamabad has learnt anything from the recent past, it will make the proceedings as free of controversy and speculation as possible.