A sharp increase in crimes in Karachi is making it one of the least livable cities in the world. Reportedly, during the last eight months, a total of 350 people were killed and almost 270 people sustained injuries during street crime in the city. Moreover, almost 58 citizens lost their lives over resistance to their mugging bids in different parts of the city.
For the last few years, Karachi has remained a centre of street crimes, target killings, grisly murders, assassinations and sectarian violence. Karachi is home to a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural melting pot with an ever expanding and changing demography. All these complications have led to Karachi becoming a safe haven for lawlessness, terrorism, criminal and political turf wars and all sorts of crimes. Drug addiction, presence of militants and ever expanding geography of Karachi are additional sources of the street crimes. The absence of a central crime control authority is also exacerbating the situation. Because, the city is still being guarded by the Rangers along with the police. Moreover, the conducive environment of this violence-plagued city has given birth to political, sectarian and ethnic rivalries, while elements with criminal mindset have taken refuge in this city and they are continuing their evil agenda. Despite various operations being conducted by the law enforcement agencies with the help of the Rangers, the crime rate is still high. It seems that they all have failed to maintain peace in the biggest city of Pakistan. All these complications have necessitated the use of a decisive action to clear all the mess. Although it is not the responsibility of the army to fix everything, yet it is playing its role in the form of a joint rangers-police operation in Karachi.
The question arises who is responsible for this mess and what is being done other than the usual mantra of steps being taken. Fingers are being raised at the performance of the incumbent PPP Sindh government. Mainly the PPP-led government is responsible for this poor law and order situation as the former has been ruling the city for the last one decade. This is a wake call for everyone including the ruling party, opposition, Rangers, judiciary, civil administration, police and citizens. The situation will not improve unless everyone plays respective roles honestly and to the best of their ability. The role of the law enforcement agencies in bringing peace is very important. The track record shows that the police system has been compromised due to the vested interests of politicians. Such political meddling in the affairs of the law enforcement agencies must be stopped. The police should be purged of political interference and be authorised to clear the mess. Karachi is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and any disturbance in this city will ultimately affect the whole country. All political parties must cooperate to ensure a peaceful environment in Karachi.
