On the brink

Karachi stands on the very brink of a precipice – a steep and particularly dangerous precipice. The time has come when we wait to see whether it will be able to stay on. We certainly hope it can be saved from a plunge into a new orgy of violence. With the two sides battling it out in Karachi now clearly defined, there is a real risk of this. This battle needs to be averted. Its contours were drawn out in Karachi on Wednesday as the prime minister chaired a law and order meeting. The venue of this meeting itself told the story. Rather than the Governor’s House, the usual location for such meetings, the PM met the corps commander Karachi and the DG Rangers at PAF Base Faisal. Dr Ishratul Ibad did not attend; he was not invited to attend – and according to reports Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah was called in only after key issues had been discussed. It was emphasised that the battle against terrorism and crime must be continued. At a function organised by the Karachi Stock Exchange the PM stressed that the operation was not directed against any specific political party.
Perceptions, though, are different. The MQM and the military establishment – represented by the Rangers – stand facing each other. The PPP is reluctant to end a silent peace with the PML-N, but has also drawn nearer to the MQM, turning down security requests to remove barriers at locations such as those near Bilawal House. Both Ibad and Shah have reportedly been in touch with their respective chiefs over the unfolding scenario. The developments in Karachi have generated rumours of a new governor being appointed or even Governor’s Rule in Sindh. Uncertainty is high and NA-246 in Azizabad, an MQM stronghold, could become the next point of contest with the PTI planning to take on the MQM in the by-poll due there. The PTI chief Imran Khan has already vowed to bring the MQM, and especially Altaf Hussain, toppling down. How all this will pan out is unknown. Dr Ibad and the PPP still seem uncertain about quite what needs to be done. Their decisions will be crucial. Right now we must hope that as the contest continues the people of Karachi are not dealt further blows. They have sustained too many already and deserve better than to become pawns in a potentially dangerous game of power. For Karachi it is also important to deal with its terrifying problem of politically backed criminal mafias. The logical conclusion must now be reached, but without allowing Karachi to fall or for blood on its streets, which already bear the sinister stains from the past.