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Karachi once again was on fire. Streets were taken over by armed gangs and no one was safe. As today’s sun was looking over unfortunate city 15 were dead and there was no count for wounded. It is also useless to count how many businesses were gone with the night and how many will find it hard to survive after the loss accrued during this tragic night. This is not first such night inhabitants of Karachi have experienced. During past 2 decades they have been through many such nights. Numerous have been killed and many been handicapped after been victim of unseen terror. That terror has no name, no face and no one is “responsible” for it. In that way it is worse than the terror brought by remote controlled bombs placed at public places or by suicide bombers. For those acts someone though anonym accepts responsibility and declares that it has been done with a “purpose”. The terror that has become destiny of people of Pakistan’s most populous, richest and vibrant city is act of invisible coward individuals. Other cowards are political leaders, representatives of security agencies, working journalists and those who know and won’t tell “who is who”.
Among common citizens each and every one tries to give this terror and its pioneers a name that suits to his belief or political understanding. This name is like a dark shadow that haunts every citizen. No matter what name one gives to liable, outcome is the same; few corpses, burned vehicle and shops and looted businesses. Each one mourns for its losses and curses a name he sees is responsible for this tragedy.
Faces are still not seen but last night we all witnessed at least one face that was directly responsible for a night of nightmare in Karachi. He was no less than a senior minister of provincial government and a close friend of president of Pakistan and co chairman of Pakistan’s ruling party. Dr Zulfiqar Mirza was furious as he almost challenged journalists and media men gathered at a dinner party hosted by ANP’s local chief Shahi Syed. Knowing that his comments will be broadcasted directly he rolled his arms and claimed he was open to any question and will only tell truth. He spited hatred and aggression instead. He attacked some political leaders and gave them names that do not suite to be hurled by or to any representatives of people in any society. Only minutes after people were been attacked and loot was on in Karachi. He was aware of impact of his words and so were his hosts and others gathered at this reception. Shahi Syed tried half heartedly not to let Mirza get to microphone. Few minutes were enough for those who are always on barricades to get to business in the streets of Karachi. Mirza was pushed from microphone after few minutes but by then he had done enough to take life of 15.
As always many questions are asked and no answer is available. Karachi is centre of 3 major political groups that are not willing to accept each other’s strength. MQM was sole custodian of the city for over a decade. Lately pushtoon population of the city has organized its ranks under leadership of Shahi Syed and auspices of ANP (Awami National Party). Both political forces have armed gangs and are not able to find a political platform. Pakistan People’s Party rules province but also wants itself present in Karachi. Dr. Mirza organized its gangs under name of “aman committees”. Now there are three warring gangs in the city who get into action according to guidance and agenda of their political masters. Temporary peace always returns after some sort political or economical bargain and selloff. Karachi becomes victim of new violence and turmoil with new issues and standoffs. Question about permanent peace to the city will be remained unanswered unless political leaders do not accept that all have their following and no sole group or political party is “owner” of this city and its people. That does not seem be to in sight yet.
Another aspect of tragic events in Karachi is ineffectiveness of security agencies. Police and rangers do witness massacre in the city and keep themselves sheltered in their caves. That is to make sure that their political bosses do get what they wish to achieve. Once the purpose is partly attained things start get normal. Either security forces will get back in action or statement for calm will “pacify” angered “citizens”. Latest confrontation is consequence of political moves by MQM. Party resigned from federal and provincial governments and its governor in Sindh Ishrat-ul-Ibad resigned from the post few days ago.
There are strong indicators that PPP and Asif Ali Zardari want to corner and strip MQM from its political bargaining strength. Karachi is been turned into battle field to get this purpose. That is called politics in Pakistan. Innocent blood is on the hands of political leaders. Do they have any conscious to make a change? In the mean time rest of Pakistanis can have their moment of shame.
Syed Mujahid Ali, Editor: Karwan.no
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