In fond memory: Jhat Pat victims’ families crave consideration, compensation

The participants at the candlelight vigil believe peace in the area is only temporary.


Our Correspondent April 23, 2014
"Innocent people are harassed by law enforcers daily. We aren’t all criminals. Not all of us are affiliated with criminals," Resident Parween Baloch. PHOTO: ONLINE/FILE

KARACHI: The victims of the Jhat Pat Market killings have neither heard from officials of the provincial government nor have they been given the compensation promised to them. It has been nearly 40 days since the tragic incident, which claimed the lives of 19 people and injured 50 others.

The once diehard supporters of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) longingly remember the party’s slain chairperson, Benazir Bhutto. “Not a single leader bothered to visit us in the wake of the incident,” complained 40-year-old Hakeem Baloch. “We have been supporting the PPP since our childhood and have sacrificed so much for it. The least these leaders could do was pay us a visit to share our grief.” Hakeem lost three of his relatives in the carnage and the family has received no compensation so far.



On Tuesday, a candlelight vigil was organised outside the Karachi Press Club by the residents of Lyari to pay tribute to those who lost their lives. The ruling party in the province was lambasted for their policy towards the people of Lyari. They were of the belief that the PPP was only supporting criminals in the area. The participants demanded the government declare Lyari a ‘disaster-hit’ area and start development work immediately.

“It was Lyari where Jawaharlal Nehru and Mahatama Gandhi delivered their speeches,” said politician Yousuf Masti Khan. “The area has produced renowned sportsmen, poets, and politicians.” He lamented, however, that the government only supported criminals in the area.

“My sister-in-law and niece were killed and my wife was critically injured in the incident,” related Aurangzeb Baloch. He added that his three-year-old daughter was still in shock. “My wife just starts crying every time she remembers the events on that fateful day.”

The participants were of the belief that peace in Lyari was temporary as members of the gangs were still present in some areas. They blamed the law enforcement agencies for creating hurdles for residents despite the ceasefire between the two main groups, Uzair Baloch and Baba Ladla.

“Innocent people are harassed by these law enforcers every day,” said Parween Baloch. “We aren’t all criminals. Not all of us carry weapons. Not all of us are affiliated with criminal groups.”

It is believed that the ceasefire between the two groups is the result of peace talks initiated by Ayaz Latif Palijo, the president of Qaumi Awami Tehreek. The participants said, however, that the on-going operation in Lyari had no effect on the law and order situation.

“The Jhat Pat Market tragedy brought peace in Lyari,” said Umar Lasi. “I fear criminals will take control over Lyari again,” he suspected.

“The ‘symptoms’ are being treated, not the ‘disease’,” said another participant, Ali Nawaz Baloch. “This peace is only temporary.” He was of the opinion that the criminals were silent for the time being as the people of Lyari were angered over the Jhat Pat Market incident.

A majority of the victims’ families did not participate in candlelight vigil due to fear of being monitored, The Express Tribune learnt.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 24th, 2014.

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