Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken notice of the brutal violence of the Sindh Police against the MQM-Pakistan protestors on Wednesday in Karachi. In his tweet on Thursday, he says he has demanded a detailed report from Chief Minister Sindh, Inspector General Sindh, and Interior Ministry.
Reckless use of violence against MQM-Pakistan workers by Sindh Police left one dead and several workers injured including women. MQM-Pakistan, like other parties, had been protesting against the Sindh Local Government Act 2021. The clashes brought Sindh government under a tirade of intense criticism on social media. Nemesis in the clashes are accusing eachother of stoking ethnic violence in Karachi.
I have taken note of the violence used by Sindh police against MQM's peaceful protest against Sindh's LG law, & have called for a report from Interior Ministry, Sindh CS & Sindh IG. Will take necessary action against those responsible after receiving these reports.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 27, 2022
Opposition parties in the Sindh government believe that the new Sindh LGA disempowers the mayor of the city and is an attempt by the Sindh government to maintain its absolute control over Sindh without real devolution of power at the local level and mayors will be stopped from playing a defining role in issues like water and sewerage, solid waste management, building control, master plan, food control. As opposed to the call of PM Imran Khan that mayors of the big cities should be elected directly, the new Sindh LGA bill restricts the direct opposition of the mayor and deputy mayor in the city.
All the stakeholders in Karachi have been protesting against the bill for a month now. No serious attempts had been made by the Sindh government to engage with the protestors of Jamaat-i-Islami, PTI, and MQM-P to amicably solve the issues.
Bilawal’s silence
Karachi city administrator, Murtaza Wahab, and CM Sindh express their regret for the incident but no direct condemnation has come from Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Asif Ali Zardari. Is Bilawal Bhutto least bothered about the violence on political workers?
While the political parties were protesting in the provincial capital of the province with a population of a rough estimate of 23 million. PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto was inaugurating the garbage collection system in Larkana. Most importantly, a Chinese state company had been hired to collect garbage in Larkana.
Read more: Sindh government considers Karachi an ATM, Dr. Farooq Sattar
2/3 We discussed & agreed that we need to find a peaceful solution through dialogue. Explained that we were always willing to hold a meaningful dialogue. Expressed sorrow over death of their colleague and ensured thorough inquiry into the matter.
— Murad Ali Shah (@MuradAliShahPPP) January 27, 2022
This, certainly, shows the incompetency of the civil institutions under the PPP government. PPP has been consecutively ruling the province since 2008 but no institutions have been equipped to perform a basic civil duty as simple as collecting and dumping the waste and garbage.
Karachi city, the country’s powerhouse, has been in an absolute mess. Since 2014, the provincial government has been responsible for cleaning the streets and roads of Karachi, and the performance has been less than desirable.
The uncontrolled and unplanned construction in Karachi is already causing havoc. No special arrangements for basic necessities are made to assist the growing population.
Read more: NDMA will clean Karachi; SC turns down Sindh government’s petition
Unbelievable tales of corruption associated with PPP flash on TV every day. PPP has never won a majority vote from Karachi and hence they give no special consideration to Karachi but in each term, they make sure to keep tight control on the city. The solution to the dilemma lies in sincere service delivery. The situation in interior Sindh is no less different than in Karachi. Having heard and witnessed ample stories of incompetency by the Sindh government, one wonders, the agendas and aims of the Pakistan Peoples Party.
The situation could have easily reverted had PPP shown some concern and practiced what they preach to their opponents- reconciliation and patience. PPP, being a major political party, in Sindh and Pakistan must realise what the city and country demand.
Rida Hussain is a graduate of Mass Communication in 2015. She is working as a freelance contributor. She can be reached at @Hussain111rida. The views expressed in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Global Village Space.