Karachi curfew

The ‘semi-curfew’ announced by interior minister on January 16 has brought more confusion than results.

The ‘semi-curfew’ announced by the interior minister for Karachi on January 16 has brought more confusion than results. Six more people were killed in the city on the same day and tensions persisted in many localities, bringing the threat of more killings over the next few days. There was some doubt as to precisely what the curfew consisted of, and what was meant by the term. Police appear to have interpreted it to mean restrictions in movement in areas where search operations were to be conducted. A pillion riding ban was also reimposed — as has happened in the past when there is unrest in Karachi.

There must be some doubt as to what can be expected from these measures. This is all the more so as key partners appear not to have been taken into confidence on the ‘curfew’. The ANP has expressed displeasure over this and is clearly concerned about possible harassment. Building consensus among all the groups who can play a part in bringing peace in Karachi would appear to be a vital step in ending violence.

The steps announced for Karachi seem to constitute of nothing more than a band-aid placed over a large, gaping wound. Far more drastic measures are needed to stop the flow of blood. Rehman Malik had, a few months ago, announced a major intelligence-gathering operation to identify those engaged in the killings in Karachi. What has come of this? There seems to be no word. The imposition of a partial curfew, the ban on passengers aboard motorcycles and even the aerial monitoring of areas is unlikely to bring results. A different tactic is needed. The elements creating unrest need to be identified and removed surgically. The interior minister has alluded to the possibility that a ‘third party’ is working to create tensions between coalition partners in Karachi. This is certainly possible. But the focus then should be on finding those who work with this ‘party’.

We need to see action. Words serve no purpose in the final run. The latest measures seem to be nothing more than first aid. We must hope they will be followed up by more aggressive treatment, otherwise the sickness ailing Karachi will continue to take its toll and lead to yet more deaths in a city that has already seen too many.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 18^th, 2011.