Karachi Riots! Who is responsible

Since Saturday Nov 29, 2008 till Sunday night 38 people have been reported killed and 122 injured in what seems to be the resumption of ethnic riots of the 1980's.

Karachi once again has become a battlefield for political activists. Scores of workers of various political parties have been killed during the last 2 months. A new wave of confrontation has started between activists of MQM and Sunni Tehreek which has left at least over a dozen dead and injured. Similarly numerous workers of ANP and MQM-H have also lost their lives in various acts of violence. The government seems to pay no heed over the aggravated law and order situation of Karachi.

There seems no writ of the government, the political activists from various political parties are flexing muscles in various parts of Karachi specially North Karachi, Malir, Site, Orangi, North Nazimabad and Landhi. This battle among activists of rival political parties is causing immense tension and insecurity among Karachiites. It seems that Karachi has returned to its dark past where gunny bags, bullet riddled bodies, kidnappings and extortion have unleashed a reign of terror.

This silence shown by the government on the aggravated law and order situation is beyond comprehension. The federal government, interior ministry and the army need to take notice of such massive killings which is disrupting the peace, stability and harmony of Karachi. Immediate efforts are needed by the government to restore peace in Karachi.

Karachi is said to be the backbone of Pakistan and contributes the major chunk of the national exchequer. Destabilizing Karachi in other words mean destabilizing Pakistan.

In this new wave of violence MQM and ANP are to be solely held responsible. MQM by making hue and cry about talibanization wants to get rid of all the Pushto speaking from Karachi. This ethnic violence can severe if the present govt does not take concrete steps.

At this moment when the whole country should be united (as India is threatening Pakistan and blaming Pakistan for the Mumbai fiasco) these ethnic parties (MQM and ANP) are only dividing the people.