Kashmore district of Sindh province is bleeding and burning, having slipped into the hands of criminal elements to the extent that it now resembles a no-go area, where neither human life nor property enjoys the slightest protection under law.
Residents who previously migrated from the district for education, employment, official duty or livelihood now categorically refuse to return, as the district stands consumed by fear, bloodshed, and a complete collapse of governance.
Dacoits, operating with brazen impunity, openly abduct innocent civilians through honey traps, deceptive social media communication, or direct armed interception. Ethnic killings are escalating unchecked, and this menace continues to spread like wildfire while the responsible authorities remain unmoved. Almost daily, news of cold-blooded murders and targeted killings emerges through print and electronic media, yet no decisive or meaningful operation has been undertaken to restore peace.
The most recent and heartrending incident occurred on November 26, when a son and a grandson of a police officer were intercepted by armed assailants and mercilessly gunned down in Kandhkot. A disturbing and legitimate question arises here: if a serving police officer’s children cannot be safeguarded, how can the general public expect any protection of their constitutional right to life, liberty and security? This chilling reality exposes a complete breakdown of the rule of law and the failure of the state to discharge its constitutional obligations under Articles 9 and 14 of the Constitution. In the past, the local populace staged numerous rallies and public demonstrations, demanding peace. Unfortunately, these peaceful calls fell on deaf ears. The situation has rather deteriorated, leading to even more bloodshed.
Both provincial and federal governments are under a legal duty to initiate immediate, strict and result-oriented action against the perpetrators. A comprehensive and impartial operation is essential to dismantle the criminal strongholds, restore writ of the state and bring the district back to normalcy wherein citizens may once again enjoy peace, dignity and the simple joy of living.
The concerned authorities must wake up from their slumber and take decisive steps before more innocent lives are lost and the district sinks further into chaos.
Riaz Ali Panhwar
Hyderabad
