
On the merits, the local bodies system is far preferable. It has been a qualified success in Karachi and gives more say, at least in theory, to the people. That the PPP has chosen to bring it back is a wise move, even if its motivations for doing so were not entirely altruistic. But the fear is that the next time the MQM decides that it wants no part of the coalition, the PPP could once again decide to change the system. Such uncertainty is not good for Karachi and needs to be avoided. Even as a matter of coalition-building, this move is suspect as it angers the ANP.
Equally important is the question of whether these negotiations will bring an end to the violence in Karachi. There is cause to be pessimistic about that. The MQM and ANP are now further apart than they ever were and the PPP has not helped matters by making arbitrary decisions on the form of governance in Karachi. In fact, reports suggest that it has also ended up alienating the nationalist parties in the province. One can only hope that an effort will be made by the ruling party to take the ANP along as well because for peace to return to Karachi, it is imperative that all three major parties be on board.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 9th, 2011.
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