The terrible tale of death and injury clearly comes up as an incident of targeted killing — a rising form of violence that has contributed to security instability in our country. With the law a mere spectator, the illegal practice goes on unchecked, having grown immensely over the last decade or so. That the culprits in such acts of settling scores, silencing rivals and pressuring opponents are seldom pursued into their lawful fate explains the flourishing jungle warfare in which the stronger survives and thrives, and the weaker suffers.
While Karachi continues to be the preferred hunting ground for killers, lots of other cities and towns — big and small — are also in the crosshairs. And the targets range from commoners to influential people like politicians, judges, celebrities and even cops.
The causes of this rising violence are aplenty — political rivalry, sectarian and ethnic hatred, and the lust for a bigger slice of the pie up for grabs. The criminal-political nexus adds a tricky dimension to the context.
When it comes to controlling the rising threat, what comes up first is the need to build the capacity of police with the provision of modern training and equipment. Among other essentials is the intelligence-led policing and an earnest deweaponisation drive.
It’s time the authorities devised a proactive strategy — focusing on coordinated endeavours and timely sharing of intelligence — to control the growing menace of targeted killing.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 1st, 2018.
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