Political Violence in Karachi Continues

By Alok Bhatt
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

KARACHI, Pakistan - The politically motivated attacks plaguing Pakistan throughout the month of January have fatally ensued over the past three days.  Pakistani police forces have reported that over twenty-six casualties resulted from the violence as of this morning, which brings the total count of deaths to approximately sixty-seven.  Unknown assailants have been executing attacks on numerous Pashtun activists with allegiance to the secular Awami National Party with gunfire since Friday.  The ANP appropriated blame for the series of attacks on the also secular Muttahida Quami Movement, to which the Urdu speakers of Karachi hold their allegiance. 

The MQM was also blamed for numerous other attacks against the Pashtun ethnic group.  All of the attacks have been perpetrated in the Pashtun area of Karachi.  The MQM group has denied responsibility for the attacks, but the chief of the ANP stands by his allegations.  Sporadic gunfire has followed all of the attacks.  The violence has clearly made a significant impact on civilian life in Karachi, as Pakistani nationals of Pashtun background can no longer live peacefully while the rival political factions engage in deadly skirmishes in the city.

The attacks upon the predominately Pashtun-populated areas of Karachi have also had significant implications for the economy of the city.  Karachi itself represents an economic hub for the nation of Pakistan, housing the main stock exchange and central bank.  Not only have investors felt an economic downturn caused by the political violence, but the population of Karachi faces more severe troubles arising from the resulting tensions. 

Numerous organizations comprised of gangsters and drug cartels have exploited the confusion and pandemonium taking place as of recent in Karachi streets.  While law enforcement struggles to guard against any more anonymous attacks and efficiently clear scenes after gunfire, and the falling economy increases levels of distress throughout the city, illicit activity threatens to bolster chances of further violence. 

Home Minister Mirza has spoken outwardly against the turmoil in Karachi, stating that the peoples affected signify a source of Pakistan’s repute and livelihood and that attacks against them are counterintuitive for the nation’s survival. 
 

For more information, please see:

Al-Jazeera - Deadly ethnic violence hits Karachi - 02 February 2010

BBC News - Karachi ethnic clashes kill '12' - 01 February 2010

DAWN - Karachi killings politically motivated, says Mirza - 03 February 2010