Karachi in flames

Editorial:THE NEWS


Karachi is reaching a state of complete anarchy. At least thirty-four people have been killed in the last 24 hours with violence escalating following the death of former PPP MNA Waja Karim Daad. Rival groups used rockets and bombs to launch attacks against each other on Wednesday, plunging the city into mayhem. There are no signs that the havoc has ended or that security forces will be able to get the situation under control anytime soon. In fact, things seem to be deteriorating as more killings are being reported from various parts of the city. The murderous tide has branched out of Lyari and enveloped other parts of the city. At least eight more bodies in bags were found on Thursday. Some 15 others had been discovered the previous day – many of them dumped by unidentified persons even as terrified residents looked on helplessly. The worst aspect of the killings is that no one seems to be able to get matters under control. In fact, the government at both the provincial and central levels has not even been able to articulate precisely what it is planning to do.

The bottom line is that such mayhem simply cannot be allowed to continue. For a long time Karachi has barely seen a day of peace. Things have continued along a path which spells disaster for the people. It is obvious that the killings are a result of growing political tensions in the city and of the schism that has divided people on the basis of both their ethnic background and political affiliation. The absurd statements made in the past by members of the ruling party have only added to the tensions and exacerbated things – much like the vines and creepers of a forest taking over a garden within which people had for some time enjoyed at least relative harmony. It is clear that, whatever security plans exist for Karachi, they are not working. Rangers and police personnel have reportedly stood by and watched as the killers fired volleys of bullets and bodies fell to the ground. Normal life has been shattered and, as has been noted on more than one occasion, the ongoing instability means a devastating blow to an economy which already stands on very shaky ground. Worse still is the formidable human cost of the unrest in a city torn apart by bloodshed.