Peace in Karachi

Karachi is marred by violence abating from terrorist who take refuge in the outskirts of the city. Other than that, sectarian violence is now a part of Karachi’s life. The diversity than envelopes the city keeps it in a state of constant flux which paired with low tolerance in people paves the way for outbursts of violence. Karachi is home to criminal organizations and gangs. These gangs operate within their own law structure and pay no heed to the law of the city. The police fears such powerful people and many organizations are in touch with the top law enforcement agencies which grant them protection. This kind of structure has now been linked with politics as well. Target killings in Karachi are linked with these organizations and the politically motivated murders are a product of gang wars which originate namely in Lyari and other suburban areas of Karachi.  Karachi is a highly political hub with political parties forming the basis of the elite. The feud between the Muhajirs (represented by the MQM) against the Pathans also surfaces time and again which wrecks the social structure of the country.

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan has stressed the need to ensure peace in Karachi and to restore the confidence of its traders. Since Pakistan is an industrial country, it requires investment which does not come in due to the shaky atmosphere in the city, thus delivering a blow to both traders and the economy. Addressing a high-level meeting at the Governor House, he said Karachi is the economic vein of the country and peace in the city is necessary for rapid progress and prosperity of the country. Terrorism activities in Karachi have shaken the confidence of its citizens. Karachiites feel insecure. Therefore, it is the responsibility of government to take action against the criminal elements without any discrimination so as to restore the confidence of people. Stern action should be taken without considering political and personal interests. There should be a movement to maintain peace in collaboration with police and deal strictly with those who take the law into their hands.

While killings and criminal activities are being regulated, negotiations and talks between feuding parties should be carried out. Specifically the Muhajir and Pathan fall out. Both parties should be able to resolve their conflicts in a civil manner to establish peace in Karachi. Though such talks have been carried out before, they have not been fully implemented after the resolutions have been drafted. Thus, not only should negotiations be carried out but also implemented by a middle party. Sunni clerics and Shia leaders should similarly resolve their conflicts. Sectarian violence is a very big problem in Karachi that basically causes larger casualties than any other form of violence. On religious grounds, both sects believe that Islam is a religion of peace just like any other religion. Using religious sentiments and words, a common ground can be established. However, in recent reports it has been discovered that acts of sectarian violence have not been undertaken by people from opposing sects but by anarchists who wish to destabilize the city and the country in general. Such anarchic elements work in either terrorist frameworks or promote their own ideology in which peace is not a profitable venture.

It is not convincing that the federal government is either sincere or possesses the necessary force to deal with this trend of violence and mayhem. So finally it rests upon the army to take a step forward and take charge of the fast aggravating situation. If the army moves in, it should first of all clamp curfew and root out any corruption and criminal elements in the provincial government of Sindh. Those found involved covertly should be prosecuted and served punishments. The army should issue an ultimatum for submission of weaponry within a time frame. The growing militarism and weapon proliferation is a major contributor to violence in Karachi as well. In a more personal manner, the people should be asked to pinpoint and report the names of the thugs and bandits, land grabbers and outlaws that are known to the residents. The religious militants, foreign agents, and secret saboteurs hiding in various safe havens of the city should be hunted down along with their protectors and sentenced. In order to root out violence in a city, the city has to be turned inside out. The army should keep this operation for at least a year till harmony and normal peaceful life returns to Karachi.

Violence in a country does not always stem from violent elements. They can also rise from people who are dissatisfied and disgruntled. Karachi has its lower class which is denied the basic necessities. With rising food prices and lack of welfare, the people have nowhere to turn to except crime and beggary.  To create a happy population, Karachi needs to be able to provide the basic necessities to its people, even if it is not luxury. In the past, bloody revolutions have risen from a rebellious population. Besides, the exploding civic problems should be resolved along with other problems. From improving the public transport system, to provision of clean and running water, to an uninterrupted and inexpensive supply of electricity, to environmental cleanliness and awareness, to expansion and sturdy building of roads, to removal of encroachments on roads and other similar public reforms should be put in place within the shortest possible time.

Karachi is the heart and metropolitan city and the business hub along with the income source of Pakistan. It attracts various ethnicities and people come here to aspire for a better standard of living. Considering the recent socio economic conditions of the country not to forget the political instability peace seems as farfetched idea for Karachi. However hope is what everyone clings onto. If we believe and work towards bringing peace towards Karachi then I think anything is possible with hard work and determination. It is up to the youth to take matters in their hands, because it is our future. Philanthropists and nonprofit organizations can only do so much. The main effort shall always lie in our hands. The responsibility lies on the shoulders of each and every resident of Karachi to make it a better place since the city is our home, and to dirty ones’ own home is not the aim of any person. Jinnah advocated the tenants of peace in Unity, Faith and Discipline. It is time that we take those three elements and ingrain them into our daily life to promote peace in Karachi.