Killings unending

In some cases at least, these killings seem to be deliberate.


Editorial March 20, 2013
Professor Sibte Jaffar was killed in a brutal target killing incident in Karachi. PHOTO: FILE

Yes, terrorism in all its various forms has taken a terrible toll on our country. Of course, every life lost is a tragedy. The grieving we have seen after each blast, each incident is terrible. No life is less valuable than another. But at the same time, we should consider the manner in which key members of society, professionals who we badly need, are falling like ninepins to bullets. In some cases at least, these killings seem to be deliberate — in others, perhaps, they are accidental — but the end result is that we lose persons we badly need.

On March 19, six persons were killed in Karachi in various incidents of violence. They included an assistant professor of medicine, Dr Asad Usman, who worked at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital. He was killed in Nazimabad when four men riding two motorcycles pumped multiple bullets into his body. His death deprives us of another man of healing, with many others having died before.

Among the six other persons killed in the city on the same day was a senior KESC official. Just a day earlier, the principal of Liaquatabad College, Syed Sibte Jafar Zaidi, was shot dead. We have seen such senseless sprees of violence before, driven by a frenzy we simply cannot understand. But they only add to what is already a dismal situation in Karachi, each new death adding to the fear that runs through it. Sectarian, ethnic, criminal and political factors have applied in past killings. No one knows what the trigger for the shootings is this time round. But they are certainly not a good omen, especially as they come so soon before elections. There are already questions over whether this exercise can be conducted peacefully in Karachi. The spree of new deaths, the bodies fallen on streets and new stains of blood do not help bring any reassurance. Such deaths have continued for months, and right now, no end at all seems to be in sight, with the security apparatus having seemingly crumbled completely.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 21st, 2013.

COMMENTS (1)

Nocontrolfreaks | 10 years ago | Reply

I sincerely believe that the system is failing. Do we honestly think that being as religious as we claim to be, we can do anything for our people ? Those responsible for the killings aren't even reading this - possibly can't read this, because they have been brainwashed into believing an Imam somewhere that violent Jihad against their own countrymen is the only out. Seriously Pakistan, start educating the masses ! And not the so called religious education which involves Shariah law, and anti feminism - start by improving facilities, and resources for education. I suppose raising Social awareness, ending corruption and equality for everyone can follow. These sort of events should be an embarrassment to all Pakistanis everywhere.

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