Rising violence

In a country that is ranked internationally as having witnessed the worst forms of violence, a rise in bloodshed is very bad news indeed. According to a report issued by an Islamabad-based think-tank, there was a sharp increase in violence in Pakistan during the first quarter of 2017. Most of this violence came in Sindh, with the February suicide attack at the shrine of Sehwan Sharif contributing hugely to the fatalities in Sindh, the only province to record an increase in violence. Punjab, KP, Fata and other areas of the country showed a decline in violence. According to the figures given in the report, during the first three months of this year, there were 1,129 casualties including 594 deaths. But we also need to look beyond the figures. While the bombing at Sehwan accounts for 90 of the fatalities in the country, it is worth keeping in mind that essentially militants are capable of striking anywhere, at any time. It is also worth noting that groups such as Daesh appear to be gaining a bigger hold in the country while incidents of robbery and other crime have been linked in the report to groups associated with militants, possibly as a way to acquire funds. The incidents of mob murder add to the disturbing picture that emerges from the country. Police shoot-outs killing suspects is another factor in this.

All this essentially reflects a complete breakdown in rule of law. The security agencies themselves, including the police, do not appear capable of upholding it. Despite major military operations, killers are still able to strike. Yes, the increase in general crime in Karachi and Sindh is something for the administration of that province to take notice of since poor governance helps criminals. But the overall impact of extremism and the toll it is taking on people’s lives is something that needs to be examined at a wider level. We have already done so in previous meetings and discussions at the national level but only limited value has been extracted from these. Quite evidently, the lives of the people need to be made safer in a country where there is now no personal security available. The state seems to have failed in its primary duty of offering this to its citizens. In such a situation, a collapse in law and order is hardly a surprising development.