This does not mean, however, that the Taliban are the only actors involved in violence in the city. In fact, these extremists probably account for no more than a small fraction of the violence. Primarily, the law and order situation is caused by political parties and groups that have become used to practically owning certain parts of Karachi and which are more than willing to use guns to defend their turfs. There are several political parties operating in the city, which have armed gangs willing to follow up their threats with brute force. Disputes among these parties are settled through targeted killings, not negotiations.
Singling out illegal immigrants as potential suspects is also unlikely to help in the fight against the Taliban. Most of the Taliban in Karachi are legal citizens of the country, with very few foreigners in their midst. Targeting illegal immigrants will only end up making scapegoats of the Afghan refugee population and igniting further tensions between different political parties. After a period of relative calm, that is the last thing Karachi needs. The peace in the city is fragile and people continue to be killed at an alarming rate. No doubt the Supreme Court’s intentions are good but it should ensure that this aspect, that the Taliban are not the only reason for the violence, is not ignored.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 5th, 2012.
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Well said ET!!!