Karachi walls call for federal, army control

KARACHI:

Political tensions in Karachi have deepened after wall chalking appeared across several neighbourhoods calling for the city to be placed under federal or military control, following the deadly Gul Plaza fire and a sharp war of words between the MQM-P and the ruling PPP in Sindh.

Slogans reading "Karachi ko wafaq ke hawalay karo" (Hand Karachi over to the federation) and "Karachi ko fauj ke hawalay karo" (Hand Karachi over to the military) were seen in areas including Liaquatabad, North Nazimabad and Haidery Market.

The messages were reportedly written by unidentified individuals late on Monday night and into the early hours of Tuesday. Videos of the wall chalking circulated widely on social media.

The graffiti gained attention in the aftermath of the January 17 fire at Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road, which engulfed the commercial building within hours. At least 74 people have died, with 23 victims identified so far, according to officials.

Wall chalking has long been an informal political tool in Karachi, especially during periods of restricted political activity. During military rule in the late 1970s and 1980s, walls served as a key medium for spreading political messages and mobilising pro-democracy movements. Over time, the practice evolved into a way for parties and pressure groups to signal dissent and influence public opinion, particularly during elections and political crises.

After the Gul Plaza fire, some social media users suggested younger people were behind the latest slogans. However, no youth group or individual has claimed responsibility, and no organised platform linked to younger generations has emerged, suggesting the generational framing may be amplifying existing political narratives.