It would be wrong to link the PPP with the Lyari gang war, but the fact remains that the biggest disservice which the party's top leadership did to the political cadre in its last tenure was to take the ownership of the key figure of this war — Uzair Jan Baloch — who can now become a witness and accused in the high-profile cases from 2007 to 2013, some of which can be of political significance. Can his revelations lead to key arrests and bring an end to this old war, which started decades ago by notorious Kala Nag or gave birth to the new generation of LGW? His arrest in the backdrop of the recently held high level meeting in Karachi, presided by the Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, is seen as the final phase of Karachi operation. If, on the one hand, a decision has been taken to completely disband the alleged militant wing of the MQM, it has also been decided to finish the Lyari gang war. The importance of this meeting could be judged from the fact that it was only attended by the Army Chief General Raheel and the top military brass including DGs ISI and MI, Corps Commander Karachi and DG Rangers and none of civilian players of the operation was invited. However, Sindh ChiefMinister Syed Qaim Ali Shah was a satisfiedman after he confirmed that DG Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar had taken him into confidence on Uzair's arrest and thus followed the procedure worked out between the Sindh government and the Rangers in the high-profile arrest. Now, the possible implication of Uzair's arrest would depend on the nature of Joint Investigation Team (JIT). An unimpeachable Rangers source disclosed, "We may request for at least three to four JITs in this case." An Anti Terrorism Court, on Saturday, asked the government to constitute a JIT within 15 days, as Uzair was remanded in the Rangers custody for 90 days. These include Uzair's general criminal history and his role in Lyari gang war, facilitating Balochistan Liberation Army, his role in the Under World and money laundering, terror financing and collection of huge extortion, major share of which allegedly goes to an important "Political House" in Karachi. But, the JIT, which can create sensation in the country and can have far-reaching political implications, would be linked to Benazir Bhutto's murder case, starting from the first suicide attack on her procession near Karsaz on October 18th, 2007. "Yes, we will recommend JIT on Karsaz and the development which followed," he added. However, if the report that Uzair Baloch had been in custody and in the "safe house" at an unknown location and revealed "everything," his public disclosures can cause a lot of problems. The question is, what he is likely to reveal on Karsaz, killing of key witnesses Khalid Shahenshah and Bilal Sheikh in the post-Benazir Bhutto's assassination on December 27th, 2007. Uzair's role in Lyari gang war and his rivalry with Arshad Papu, who was allegedly killed by him or on his orders and before that his links with Rehman Dakait or Baba Ladla, is known to everyone, but when former home minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza suggested his name before the former President Asif Ali Zardari to use him in a bid to counter MQM's alleged militancy, the party's Sindh leadership stood divided. While the PPP leaders like Qadir Patel backed the move, the Karachi leaders like Saeed Ghani, Rashid Rabbani and the then Lyari MNA Nabil Gabol opposed the move. The then strong man of Mr. Zardari was given a free hand and this led to most gruesome killings, which in the end led to the breakup of the coalition. When the situation went out of control and almost led to a civil war between Uzair group and MQM, the former president sought Governor of Sindh Dr. Ishratul Ibad’s intervention. Finally, Mr. Zardari had no choice but to ask Mirza to step down and ordered operation in Lyari. Prior to this mini war, the Baloch never had any problem with the MQM and even in the worst ethnic riots in Karachi or strikes, Lyari always remained open. But, by that time Uzair was in total control with complete backing of Sindh's Home Department and in the process also got the control of Fishermen Cooperative Society, from where the gang used to get millions of rupees every month. Uzair also managed his "men" in the Sindh police while knowing his relations with the then home minister many top police officials used to visit him at his luxurious house in otherwise lower middle class Baloch and Katchi population. "If one gets hold of the visitors list of Uzair, you may be surprise to know the kind of politicians, bureaucrats, government and police officials besides others used to visit him on a regular basis," said an informed source. Now will they be questioned. Uzair is just one prominent character of this huge cartel of "crime and politics." How much has he already revealed with the interrogators and how more will he disclosed in the next few weeks could lead to the final phase of this operation, by the time General Raheel Sharif will retire in November, this year. He may also be used as a key witness in Dr Asim Hussain's case linked to the treatment given to the Lyari gang war's alleged militants at Ziauddin Hospital. Some who believe Uzair was arrested much earlier believe he played an important role in this case, too. So, how far Uzair Jan Baloch case will go?What, if he came out with some sensational disclosures linked to two attacks on former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto? But, what if all these allegations can't be proved or substantiated in the courts? After all, he had been acquitted in dozens of cases for weak prosecution or lack of evidence. There is every possibility that the Rangers may ask the Sindh government to recommend his case to the Military Court, as he has been cited in the "Black category" of terrorists. Now, the Sindh government can opposemore than one JITs, particularly the one linked with Karsaz and cases having political implications.What will happen then? Uzair’s story is far fromover and so is Lyari gang war, but the decision which the PPP leadership had taken in 2009, andMirza's decision to take the ownership but with the consent of those who matter in the PPP, unfortunately, depoliticized rather criminalized the most politically conscious area of Karachi, called, Lyari. Can Lyari be returned to its old political culture remains a million dollar question, but Uzair's arrest or decision to surface himis a strongmessage for many. The writer is the senior columnist and analyst of GEO, The News and Jang.