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| India-Pakistan |
| Karachi's unending violence |
| 2014-05-16 |
| [DAWN] WEDNESDAY'S high-powered huddle in Bloody Karachi ...formerly the capital of Pakistain, now merely its most important port and financial center. It is among the largest cities in the world, with a population of 18 million, most of whom hate each other and many of whom are armed and dangerous... to discuss the ongoing law-enforcement operation in the metropolis was little more than rhetoric. Not much emerged regarding any concrete step the state may have taken to pacify the city. Presided over by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ... served two non-consecutive terms as prime minister, heads the Pakistain Moslem League (Nawaz). Noted for his spectacular corruption, the 1998 Pak nuclear test, border war with India, and for being tossed by General Musharraf... , the meeting brought together the highest echelons of the country's civilian and military leaderships, with former president Asif Ali Zardari in attendance, while the army chief and DG ISI also sat in. Should Karachi's citizens really expect to see visible changes in their security situation? While the meeting was told that the law enforcers were being given the latest gadgets to fight crime and that illegal SIMs were being shut down, it is also true that since the operation began last September, the drop in crime and violence in Karachi has hardly been discernible. No doubt, certain troubled areas such as Lyari ...one of the eighteen constituent towns of the city of Karachi. It is the smallest town by area in the city but also the most densely populated. Lyari has few schools, substandard hospitals, a poor water system, limited infrastructure, and broken roads. It is a stronghold of ruling Pakistan Peoples Party. Ubiquitous gang activity and a thriving narcotics industry make Lyari one of the most disturbed places in Karachi, which is really saying a lot.... have been quiet. But street crime and assassinations continue. Even on the day the meeting was in session, a man was bumped off reportedly on sectarian grounds. In fact, sectarian killings have been occurring on almost a daily basis over the past few days. Karachi's vortex of violence is complex and multi-layered and only a continuous, multi-pronged effort can bring lasting peace to the city. At one level, politically backed criminals continue to operate in their respective areas of influence, indulging in crime ranging from extortion to murder. At another, sectarian killers operate in the metropolis with impunity, while a free rein is given to organised groups and individuals carrying out street crimes, terrorising citizens through muggings and kidnapping for ransom. Is the prime minister even aware of the level of street crime in Karachi? The situation is so bad that the majority of people do not file a report with the police when their wallet or mobile phone is snatched by armed thugs. Far from lasting peace, what the operation has produced in Karachi is an uneasy calm that continues to be punctured by a variety of violent incidents. No one can seriously say that due to the efforts of the last few months the metropolis is on the road to stability. For example, how many killers, extortionists and kidnappers have been enjugged Drop the rod and step away witcher hands up! and sentenced so far? The problem is, unless the law enforcement and prosecution systems are strengthened so that criminals are caught, prosecuted and punished, no operation will be a success. This must be a continuous process, not limited to a few months or weeks. A dedicated, honest police force, aided by paramilitaries where need be, coupled with a strong legal system, can turn things around. But for that to happen, the state needs to show sincerity of purpose while all stakeholders -- political parties included -- must play by the rules and let the law take its course. |
| Posted by:Fred |