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Only a truly national vision and honesty of leadership can cure Pakistan of its ills
Pakistan's woes never seem to end. As if the raging militant violence in its inflamed north wasn't enough, the nation's largest city, financial capital and political nerve center Karachi is once again being savaged and bled to death.
Meanwhile, another terror attack targeted a packed mosque in Jamrud in Khyber Agency on Friday killing more than 50 worshippers. The suicide attack by a teenaged bomber has been claimed by the Tahreek-e-Taleban, which unlike its namesake across the border continues to target its own people. Whatever the TTP's cause if it has one how could anyone justify the killing of innocents busy praying and seeking the mercy of God in this blessed month? No matter what they call themselves, they are doubtless greater enemies of their own people than the forces they claim to fight.
And those painting Karachi red with the blood of innocent people are no better. Indeed, they are even worse, for they choose their victims without any rhyme and reason as they go on a killing spree to send a message to distant rulers and estranged allies in Islamabad. The victims in Karachi come from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds Mohajirs, Sindhis, Baloch and Pakhtoon or Pathans. And there are many stakeholders who are fighting for the control of this great, mega city while the authorities look the other way. As a result, the city once celebrated for its cosmopolitan culture and can-do spirit embracing everyone with exemplary generosity has descended into total chaos with all sorts of turf battles, proxy wars and old-fashioned tribal vendettas being settled in broad daylight.
The carnage over the past few days hasn't spared anyone, including police officials. Imagine the vulnerability of ordinary people when even law enforcement officers do not find themselves safe. This is precisely why the media and civil society groups have been calling for the immediate deployment of the army.
The army presence could certainly restore peace and order temporarily. What Karachi needs though is a long-term solution. Which is possible only when the politicians and all players with a stake in Karachi look beyond their petty noses in the interest of a peaceful and stable Pakistan.
Everyone, including President Asif Ali Zardari and MQM's London-based chief Altaf Hussain, know full well what is going on in Karachi. Besides the ubiquitous MQM that draws its political clout and strength from Karachi, the city's streets are ruled by the ANP, the PPP-blessed Amn Committee and Sunni Tahreek. Yet the politically affiliated killer squads are treated with kid gloves.
Meanwhile, President Zardari has invited the MQM to rejoin the federal coalition and the MQM is said to have accepted the offer. This might bring some semblance of peace and order to Karachi. But it also speaks volumes for the kind of opportunist politics being practiced by the nation's leading political players.
It is this political opportunism that is responsible for the mess that Pakistan finds itself in today, from its mountainous, tribal north to urban centers in the south. What Pakistan badly needs is a vision that transcends petty political, regional and ethnic affiliations and views the nation as a whole. The violence in Karachi or in tribal belt will end only when Pakistan's interests are put ahead of petty political and tribal loyalties. Only real leadership and honesty of intentions could put Pakistan back on the track and exorcise it of all its demons.
Arab News
Pakistan's woes never seem to end. As if the raging militant violence in its inflamed north wasn't enough, the nation's largest city, financial capital and political nerve center Karachi is once again being savaged and bled to death.
Meanwhile, another terror attack targeted a packed mosque in Jamrud in Khyber Agency on Friday killing more than 50 worshippers. The suicide attack by a teenaged bomber has been claimed by the Tahreek-e-Taleban, which unlike its namesake across the border continues to target its own people. Whatever the TTP's cause if it has one how could anyone justify the killing of innocents busy praying and seeking the mercy of God in this blessed month? No matter what they call themselves, they are doubtless greater enemies of their own people than the forces they claim to fight.
And those painting Karachi red with the blood of innocent people are no better. Indeed, they are even worse, for they choose their victims without any rhyme and reason as they go on a killing spree to send a message to distant rulers and estranged allies in Islamabad. The victims in Karachi come from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds Mohajirs, Sindhis, Baloch and Pakhtoon or Pathans. And there are many stakeholders who are fighting for the control of this great, mega city while the authorities look the other way. As a result, the city once celebrated for its cosmopolitan culture and can-do spirit embracing everyone with exemplary generosity has descended into total chaos with all sorts of turf battles, proxy wars and old-fashioned tribal vendettas being settled in broad daylight.
The carnage over the past few days hasn't spared anyone, including police officials. Imagine the vulnerability of ordinary people when even law enforcement officers do not find themselves safe. This is precisely why the media and civil society groups have been calling for the immediate deployment of the army.
The army presence could certainly restore peace and order temporarily. What Karachi needs though is a long-term solution. Which is possible only when the politicians and all players with a stake in Karachi look beyond their petty noses in the interest of a peaceful and stable Pakistan.
Everyone, including President Asif Ali Zardari and MQM's London-based chief Altaf Hussain, know full well what is going on in Karachi. Besides the ubiquitous MQM that draws its political clout and strength from Karachi, the city's streets are ruled by the ANP, the PPP-blessed Amn Committee and Sunni Tahreek. Yet the politically affiliated killer squads are treated with kid gloves.
Meanwhile, President Zardari has invited the MQM to rejoin the federal coalition and the MQM is said to have accepted the offer. This might bring some semblance of peace and order to Karachi. But it also speaks volumes for the kind of opportunist politics being practiced by the nation's leading political players.
It is this political opportunism that is responsible for the mess that Pakistan finds itself in today, from its mountainous, tribal north to urban centers in the south. What Pakistan badly needs is a vision that transcends petty political, regional and ethnic affiliations and views the nation as a whole. The violence in Karachi or in tribal belt will end only when Pakistan's interests are put ahead of petty political and tribal loyalties. Only real leadership and honesty of intentions could put Pakistan back on the track and exorcise it of all its demons.
Arab News