Karachi Problems

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Karachi: Political Solution or Compromise

Hamid Waheed Rajput, Faisalabad
Most of the politicians, media and intellectuals suggest political solution to the problems in Karachi but their blanket suggestions do not specify who will do it and how? We must understand that for whatever reason Pakistan’s present politics does not fit anywhere near the definition of politics “government of the people, for the people and by the people”.
The essence of true politics lies in the popular leadership having public confidence making popular decision in the larger public interest. Interestingly the institution blamed the most for not letting politics grow due to long spells of dictatorship presently seem totally in supporting role of the government.
A portion of media and politicians attribute all wrongs including electricity short fall on dictatorship. They may be right to some extend but now they have the opportunity and the Turkish model to rectify wrongs of the past. In Turkey the political setup proved that they can bring more strength and prosperity in institutions than was possible under military influence in past decades.
The way forward for the political setup lies in crossing the limits of standards achieved previously, and to tell that they have the ability to manage institutions better. There is a need to strengthen and depoliticize the interior law enforcers. In these difficult times public is interested in present and their tomorrow. A roadmap which leads to somewhere, most of the directions shown to public lack implementation and the will of leadership. Each day they see minor promises like load shedding schedules during Ramadan being flouted.
There has been number of attempts to control law and order of Karachi through political means and each time it has ended into compromise. A compromise acts as a catalyst for the mafia involved in Karachi killings. This breather gives them more physical and psychological ascendency over the poor victims. In such environment can there be a political solution is the question?
The reality has shown political stakes do not allow neat and clean arrangements for use of law enforcing instrument. Demand for use of army to solve Karachi problem does not indicate army’s expertise or resources to handle the situation but it’s their non-political inclination towards any political party. Despite wide criticism on army it still holds the public confidence to deliver at the time of crisis without favoritism to a particular class, creed and group of society.
Having said above there are two main solutions. The priority still remains with political solution having true political setup .A setup where leadership does not coerce but derives strength from public sentiments. The second option lies in administrative solution through security apparatus (police, ranger or army) but without any political interference / preference.
The government needs to move fast to handle Karachi otherwise the power to choose any of the above solution under present circumstances will have to come through popular public demand. The public will not only have to take decision but also stand behind the implementers of their decision.