Government imposes governor'

Government imposes governor's rule in Sindh.
How do you view it?
vf@jang.com.pk

Please keep your contributions short, giving your name and address, which
is necessary for your contribution to be posted on the Net

Your Opinion

Not just one political party should be targeted for the current situation of Karachi City. Why does the government depict a fake scenario of Karachi. Everybody knows where the problem lies, why doesn’t the PM? By killing some a few more innocent people, I do not think that it would do any good. The government had applied the same rule couple of years ago which resulted in the death of lots of innocent people, and we are at the same on point even now. I do not agree with the decision to kill other Muslims. Change your strategy in government laws and we need educated people in government not waderas, chaudhries.

Waheed Khan
Canada
It was a long due step. I strongly support this decision to restore law and order in the great city. I urge all the citizens of Pakistan specially the residents of Karachi and the great province of Sindh to support this effort and extend their cooperation to the government. Karachi has suffered enough. But I believe that it will be for a very short duration and the democratic institutions will be restored in a very near future.

Dr Mushtaq A. Khan
I think it’s a very bold and courageous decision made by Mr. Nawaz Sharif. There has been a drastic reduction in murders and other crimes. I think MQM has to think why every major party is against them? And why are all agencies against them? MQM got very good opportunities time and again to serve the people of Karachi but they instead chose to concentrate on looting and robbing their own brothers and sisters. Every big business is annoyed and frustrated by the so-called MQM’s young "terrorists". It’s still time for MQM to get rid of all terrorist from the party and work positively.

Asim Khan
USA.
Pakistan is an Islamic Republican country. A Quranic verse says: ‘A Muslim cannot kill another Muslim. The Governor Raj means you have to go against the Muslim rules regulation, Raj also relates to the Hindu mentality. Instead of full approach to Shariat Bill the Government is going against humanity. The governor rule is not feasible. First you have to be sincere with Karachi.

Azher Siddiqui
Toronto, Canada
I say yes to governor’s rule. For a decade MQM has been terrorising the whole Sindh province, extorting bhatta from people or black mailing the government. On the other side they were killing innocent citizens. Therefore they must be stopped and brought to trial. I would like to say that unless we comply with the Islamic Law we can not bring peace. I also support our government in this action.

Imran Khokhar
Glasgow UK
Why does everybody keep on referring Punjabis , Sindhis and Mohajirs and why not just Pakistanis. For God’s sake people (this is in response to Ms Asiya's letter), rise above these petty differences because this is where the problem starts. We always have some dumb reason or the other to fight. Why not adopt a policy of live and let live. I was heartbroken to read the letter which said "Punjab wants to rule the whole of Pakistan". This quote reek of hatred which shows the close-mindedness of our people. I wish you got a chance to live outside of Pakistan so that you had warm feelings for the whole of Pakistan and not just a region.

Asim
NewYork
It is needed if handled properly. The terrorists had taken over the city and law and order situation was bad.

Mazhar Ali Shah
I find it funny that the so-called Human Rights activists call it travesty of justice when the governor's rule is enforced. They but keep quiet when innocent people are shot in broad daylight. Didn't Hakim Saeed have any rights? It’s time something was done. And I really hope this thing is done properly in all fairness. I think Karachi is seriously running out of chances. It’s now or never.

Faiz Hanif Bagamwalla
Karachi, Pakistan
I totally agree with this decision. MQM came into existence to fight against some very real problems, that Mohajirs were experiencing at that time, i.e. discrimination in jobs etc., but who can deny the fact that they severely misused the people's mandate. The stories of torturing there opponents (even killing them), taking "bhatta" from resourceful people, creating a state of constant terror among the population of Karachi, are all true. May be there is some spin given from different agencies at different times, but no one can claim that MQM is totally innocent. The condition that prevailed in Karachi during the last few years has caused the greatest damage to "Mohajir cause".

Altaf Hussain's movement has gone totally out of hand. He is no better than Benazir, Zardari, Sharif's as far as dirty politics is concerned. He has failed the people of Karachi who, at one time, were truly behind him, but are now fed up with his politics of torture and killings. I think he should resign from the top slot of MQM and a new face should be given to MQM, along with a new soul. I am sure that people in Karachi would be with MQM once again.

Atif Saeed
New York
Any rule imposed on Karachi will be unfair. In the last 50 years not a single rule has worked in Pakistan. The ruler coming to power on the base of might is right. How many people do know the law? Who is forced to abide by the law? That is all fun and games of corrupt politicians. Karachi solution is only Karachi representative. Karachiities gave the vote to Karachi resident. They have rights to work independently. But Punjab never let the Karachities move freely, work freely. Punjab role is very dirty role. Punjab is responsible for surrender of East Pakistan.
Punjab has badly affected the reputation of Pakistan in the world. Karachiites are not given any chance in army, police, rangers and government. What is that? Why don’t they have equal rights?

The Governor despite being Urdu speaking, seems to adopt a Punjabi style. He cannot deal Karachities in that situation. Urdu speaking opposed his nomination in Karachi because he did not belong to them. He cannot rule. He must go. Nawaz has brought this governor to gain power. It is clear that peace is only possible if Karachi’s own elected representative is given full authority to work. There must be Karachiites in local police and administration.

Nusrat Iqbal
Sanfransisco
I think that it has been overdue to improve the situation in Karachi and if the governor rule does so, the style of the present government will be justified.

Ahmed Shaikh
The imposition of Governors rule in Sindh is in fact the murder of democracy. The government felt that it was slackening its grip on the province as a result of the breakup with MQM. They did not want a PPP government to be formed there. I condemn this decision. The decision should be taken back or it will lead to disaster.

Taimoor Hashim
It is about time that stringent measures were taken against one of the biggest terrorist organizations, the MQM, which has been responsible for most of the unrest in our only port city of Karachi. It is also about time that another Babar be brought to control the situation and bring Karachi back to normal.

Saad Asghar
The governor´s rule is a demonstration of Nawaz Sharif’s dictatorship in Pakistan. It´s bad and not the solution to the problem. Give the people of Karachi the chance to represent.

Muhammad Arshad.
Germany.
I think the present government has got the best opportunity to get rid of all the culprits in Karachi. Now the question arises: how to go about it? a) Speedy trial of the terrorists and exemplary punishments given in public, so that every one gets a strong message. b) Honest people should be ensured in law enforcing departments. c) Nepotism should not be allowed.
d) The living standards of the common people in Karachi should be improved i.e. basic facilities like, electricity, water, schools/colleges, hospitals and proper drainage system be provided at the priority. e) The unemployment factor should be resolved on priority basis.

Riaz A Khan
This is a conspiracy against the patriotic forces of Pakistan. Big landlords and capitalists never let any ordinary Pakistani look into their eyes, and this is the case with MQM because this is a party of educated but ordinary Pakistanis. This is a premeditated action. The government has played a double game. The government blamed MQM for the murder of Hakim Saeed. Please try to understand this conspiracy and accept the fact that all Mohajirs are Pakistani.

Aijaz Ahmed
Toronto, Canada.
The Prime Minister has taken an extra-constitutional step in not allowing the provincial deputy speaker of the Sindh Provincial Assembly to hold session. This is the first step to martial law and eventual civil war between Punjabis, on one hand, and Sindis and Mohajahirs on the other. You will see Sindis and Mohajahirs unite against this
decision.

Kazi Azfar Abbasi, Esq.
Washington, DC, USA
The government should take every measure to normalise the situation, even if it has to hang a few.

Azad
I presume that the government rule is for the betterment of the Sindh province, but why did it have to wait so long to impose the governor’s rule?

Nizar
Vancouver, Canada
It is an irony that Pakistan does not have a good leadership. Allah says ’ The leader of a nation possesses the same qualities as the people of a nation have.’ The suspension of Sindh Assembly is not a democratic solution. This shows the helplessness of Pakistani government. We have to work together in order to achieve religious, economical and social prosperity. No one has the right to say "Take Punjabi out of Karachi". In order to achieve peace, this attitude has to be changed.

Arif Mir
Perhaps I am a Punjabi, Sindhi, or Balochi. Is this of any significance? The unfortunate crisis in Karachi is the result of poor leadership. We have not had sincere leadership in our nation for well over a decade. As a result we have been going downhill consistently in areas such as education, infrastructure development and other areas imperative in fulfilling goals of the nation and its people. Our leaders do simply not look towards such goals. For most politicians, elections are a time of investment. Thus, politicians have somehow wandered off their field of social work and are enjoying their easy success as business people with a political edge. The truth is that the violence in Karachi must be brought to an end. The Karachi situation will not and be improved through any political action. Strict military control of Karachi is necessary in order to restore the peace and prosperity which once existed in the region. Without this, our great metropolitan city and its innocent people will continue to suffer at the expense of our poor leadership.

Muhammad Ahmad
New York
An example that nothing has been learnt from the past. This is nothing new in our history. God may give us wisdom.

Hasan.
Imposing Governor Rule in Karachi is probably the best thing the PML government has done in its whole term in office. Get rid of MQM and that will solve the problem of Karachi. These people are terrorists and should be strictly dealt with. The MQM should be crushed and should never be allowed to come back to power. Altaf Hussain does not have the guts to come back to Karachi because he can't stand up against truth and justice. I was in Karachi for the last ten years and I swear that MQM has made this city into a war zone. I request the Prime Minister of Paksitan Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif to wipe out terrorists.

Asfand Abbas Khan
Philladelphia USA
I think its very important to save Karachi, the city of lights. It was like there was no control. I hope the government will be able to control this mess.

Sarfaraz Hamid
The government did the right thing. The MQM is being utilised by external agencies, as clearly said that Karachi problem is connected to Kashmir. These outlaws should be crushed.

Mohammad Ashraf
New York
Alright it’s good to impose governor's rule on Sindh but has Nawaz Sharif considered what will happen next? I don’t oppose him but just want to say that it would have been much better had he given a proper thought before going for such an action. Now he is busy wrestling with Moin Haider on petty issues, such as transfer and posting powers, etc. Now if a step has been taken, Nawaz Sharif should stick to it and let the governor do the job and make him wholly responsible, because distributing responsibilities among committees would yield no results and in the end the blame would be put on Nawaz Sharif. It
will be much better that a person be made in charge with required check and balanced mechanism and be allowed to perform the task for a given time period.

Saeed Ahmed
UK.
It is observed that the Federal Government of Pakistan has no agenda but to create problems for the people of Pakistan. No one sees any achievement by the implementation of Governor rule in Sindh. Till yesterday MQM was a group of ‘buddy angels’ and today it has become an enemy. Mian Nawaz Sharif seems to have failed to deal with matters; economy has deteriorated, country is isolated , law and order situation is worse, political victimisation is on top of the agenda: what type of government it is? Can Pakistani press question the Prime Minister why has he sent bad signals to International Business community while taking actions against IPPs? Let me tell you, this Governor rule will eventually cause a serious problem.

Cecil Joseph
Please try to analyze the history of Pakistan first, then only will you realise that since the Independence the non-Muslims are against the unity of Muslims. This is the non-Muslim lobby which is the real threat to Pakistan, their formula is divide and ruled through corruption and malpractice. Brothers just think who is the winner? Punjabi, Mohajir, Sindhi, Pathan, Balochi or non-Muslims?

Mohammad Khan
Springfield MA
I think that the people of Sindh should be governed in the same way as the other provinces. I am afraid that these decisions might not result in a division of Pakistan. It wasn't that long ago when Bangladesh was formed in the 70's. The federal government should take every step carefully and keep in mind our horrible past.

Anayat Khan
USA
We are in favour of Governor Rule in Sindh. This is the very wise decision that our Prime Minister Mr. Nawar Sharif has taken after a long time, to end the daily killing and
looting of innocent citizens of the country.

Mohammed Anis
The more one looks at the Pakistani political set-up, the more one is convinced that all provinces of Pakistan are basically ruled by the Pakistani Punjabis. You have been colonised.

Shailen
It is about time equity and justice was extended to the offspring of those who created Pakistan. Those that have called the Mohajirs racist must realise that Karachiites have been systematically used and abused by the other provinces. Why is there a quota system in Karachi if not to propagate this inequity? Pakistan should be for all of Pakistanis and every Pakistani must be treated equally. That is the only solution to the problems of Karachi. I agree with this decision. Only the people who have some vested interest in keeping the city paralyzed, would not agree with this decision. I think the city has been taken hostage for a very long time and thousands of innocent people (both Mohajirs and non-Mohajirs) have lost their lives. The only thing which is absolutely necessary is that this action should not be aimed at any particular political party. All the terrorists and murderers whether they belong to MQM (Altaf), MQM (haqiqi), PML, PPP or any other groups should be targeted. That’s why I believe the only way to ensure the impartiality of this operation is to give full control to army, as rangers and police will only do what their political masters would ask them to do.

Atif Saeed
New York
It is not the complete solution for Karachi. Please handle the situation carefully.

Dr Khalid Shouq
Faisalabad
I think it was long overdue. As the facts and past records state democracy is not for Karachi anymore. Government should deal the law and order situation with strong hands. I would certainly like that Sindh and, for that matter, other parts of Pakistan be ruled by the elected representatives of Pakistan. But here is the matter of life and death. If governor’ rule can give us peace in Karachi then it is better than the rubberstamp of an assembly.

Younas
Norway.
Governor's rule may not normally be a good alternative. So grave a matter is the blood and tears of a city that anything should be tried to end the anarchy. In my opinion this can only be done by solving Karachi's long-term problems while moving
against confirmed terrorists of any political affiliation without bias, without any thought of political expediency and without any discrimination between citizens low or high, rich or poor, powerless or powerful.

Hassan
Tokyo
Firstly, let’s make one thing clear: no one, except for Sindis (obviously with the exception of Waderas) and Mohajirs, is interested in the welfare of Karachi. Hakeem Said's murder was a ploy to start an operation in Karachi against Mohajirs.
The aim has been to educationally, economically, and socially destroy the Mohajir community, deprive them of their rights.
How many known people have been killed in Karachi and in other parts of the country, but never has a governor rule been imposed in such a haste as this one. It’s not surprising because this has been a legacy of previous rulers. 1971 is being repeated in Karachi. For those who say that Altaf bhai should leave England and be with his own people, want him dead! Anyway all those who read this please think of your own families your sisters and brothers in a similar situation like those people in Karachi. MQM shall live no matter how many Mohajirs are killed. Another Dhaka shall take place!

Zia Haider.
It is high time we asked a question of ourselves: How far can democracy and Pakistan go together?

N Mian
Virginia USA
This decision is not good, because the 2nd largest party should have the right to run the government. This decision is against democracy.

Kaleem
Apparently the governor's rule was imposed on Sindh to protect the lives of people. At least one person was murdered while under the custody of police and another one tortured, according to press reports. What has happened to the culprits? I understand both were not proven guilty. In the same vein, Mr. Sharif is going around accusing people and MQM of terrorist activities. Has the accusation been proved in any court? Does Shariat allow punishment before the guilt is proven? The events show what can be expected if Mr. Sharif and his cronies are allowed to interpret Shariat.

Z Hussain
A good short-term solution. But only a Metropolitan Government (with proper authority) in all major cities having a population of 1 million or more is the permanent solution.

Amir M. Baig
Houston, TX
I am astonished to see the negative remarks by some of your readers. Some of them are still bent on calling themselves "Mohajirs" even after 50 years of independence. God speed to governor's rule or even a provincial Martial Law if it succeeds in cleansing Karachi. A similar approach is warranted against sectarian strife.

Naveed
United Arab Emirates
Firstly it shows there is no Judiciary System in Pakistan. Secondly, millions of voters have been humiliated who voted for the democracy.

Bashir Ahmad
Pakistan's problem is the very system which the British used to rule the Subcontinent. That system was designed to give extraordinary powers to government officials at all levels starting from a policeman to governor or the agent of British Monarch, to be used for their interest. It worked for 100 years.We should look into the system the British are using in their own land, and one will find the opposite, their government officials are no way near the powers they enjoyed when they were on foreign soil. The solution to Pakistan's problems lies in trusting the people of Pakistan and transferring powers to the locally elected officials as is done in the USA so that most of the financial, administrative and political decisions are made at local levels.

Shoaib
USA
Democracy is the best political system we have, however some times the best is not good enough. The Governer Raj is a positive step towards restoring peace to Pakistan's financial capital, however the Governor has to take some big steps, or else Governor or no Governor will not make any difference.

Ali
Toronto
Canada
Governor’s rule is necessary because Karachi is now divided into two large groups, and each group is trying to safe its illegal rights by hook or by crook. I would like to refer to the past experience when army was in Sindh (Karachi) and terrorism was gradually minimised, hence peace was brought to the city.

S.T Kazmi
The second Bangladesh is almost ready. I don’t understand why the government is using force against the people of Karachi rather than against terrorists and criminal politicians. What would any Pakistani expect from law and order maintaining agencies? I am not concerned about who is ruling Sindh but peace and love can’t come without justice.

Arshad Yunas
Toronto
Canada
The government must to end the wild-west-situation in Karachi. The governor’s rule must be enforced. That is the only answer. No political move can work now. The situation is much beyond that.

K Tamton
UAE
If MQM supported the government in the Senate in passing the Shariah bill they will get the ministries and might even the governorship of Sindh but since they did not do so they are under fire by the emerging dictator of Pakistan. It's the tragedy of our country that if someone gets some power he tries to grab all the powers in the name of Islam.
So Pakistan is moving towards one-man show like the Zia regime.

Ishrat Jamal
USA
If the violence has subsided, this is the proof of the necessity of governor’s rule.

Sadoon Kadir
I won't mind governor's rule if this could save the lives of innocent people and bring life in Karachi to a normal. Karachites are sick and tired of lawlessness and cold-blooded killings of their fellow citizens!

Fakhre Alam, MD
Kansas,USA
This is not a democratic way to take this type of action against the actual representative of Karachi. The government cannot change the situation in Karachi at gunpoint. The government should follow the democratic way to solve this problem. In Pakistan every party has criminal people, but the operation is against the MQM.

Sana Saleem
Karachi
Governor’s rule is not the solution of Karachi. There is an urgent need for a revolution in our country. Since our independence, the common man has been suffering and only Chaudries, Wadairas, Industrialists and the Army have been plundering the country. There is a need to hang all the corrupt political leaders in Pakistan. This is the only solution to Pakistan’s problems.

Wasib
USA
This decision is good for the citizens of Karachi as well as for the country. Can I justify this decision? No.
I know Hakeem Saeed was one of the renowned personalities of Pakistan and his murder should draw the attention of the government authorities. But was he the only person killed? Was the killing of one of the Islamic scholars in Islamabad less than this murder? Should there then be a President rule in Islamabad? Killing other Islamic scholars in Punjab and NWFP seems okay, as no Governor rule was imposed there!

Jamal Alvi
USA
The imposition of governor’s rule is not the solution of problems. Despite the fact that PPP’s last government was not a good exemplary government at all but one credit goes to Nasserullah Babar; that he was able to minimize terrorist activities in Karachi without any undemocratic means. But it was Nawaz Sharif who gave a new life to MQM and released all the
jailed terrorists.

Raheeq A Abbasi
Oxford
Culprits are there within the government officials. Governor rule is another joke. I cannot see how governor rule will avert the situation in Karachi. Nor can I believe that nobody in Islamabad knows the responsible people behind these terrorist activities. For the people of power, Pakistan is nothing more than a chess game. They make a move. Sometime they lose and sometimes they win.

Jamal Najmi
Charlotte
The step that the government must have taken long ago is taken. It doesn’t matter who rules Sindh; it is peace which is most important.

Dr.Muhammad Haris
Muslim League Government has failed to keep its coalition with MQM. PPP and PML both had finished their coalition with MQM. This clearly indicates that MQM party has so many loopholes. The government should use any kind of force to eradicate MQM from the country. This should be the last operation or else PML government will have to pay a high price to
run its government.

Syed Mahmood ul Hassan Jaffri
Washington D.C
We should pray for our country. Our rulers, opposition and MQM are jugglers, no one is sincere with Pakistan.

Muhammad Akram
Problems of this magnitude cannot be solved overnight - or can they? Pakistan, and this is my personal belief, requires a leap of faith to bring itself back on track. Surely the Pakistanis living within Pakistan are hungry for democracy, for the country they so purposefully fought for. Each and every Pakistani leader has raped and pillaged the country of its resources - it is only with the blessings of Allah that the country has survived such personal onslaughts.

This Sindh issue reeks of the same. It is all for personal gain. The only way that Pakistan has is to bring forward an honest leader. One that is virtuous, a leader who does not hail from the land of corruption, and one that has the needs of the people at heart. Education and Health Care Programmes should be at the fore. No leader (from the current climate) is willing to do this. Why, you may ask? Simply because it will cost, therefore there will be less money in his/her pocket; and also, if each person is no longer uneducated and understands how a country should be run - the leader's position would be in jeopardy.

As a final closing statement, a personal plea to leaders - past, present, and future - please put personal gain and differences aside. Work with each other and take this country into the next millenium with style and grace.

Najam Alavi.
I think it was a much-needed action. MQM has terrorized the city for the past 12 years, now is the time that they should be held responsible for their acts. The only problem that I see is the high-handedness of the police, which was a major cause of public outcry against the General Babar's operation. Also, the govt. should be fair in its actions in the city, otherwise,
it will be very easy for MQM to use the situation in its favour, resulting in the failure of the whole operation.
The governor's rule has given a chance to the people of the city to have a sigh of relief, but the reports are coming out about the police actions directed towards innocent citizens in order to extort money. Most of the people see police as a terrorist group in its own right, so if this action results in the shifting of the city from the hands of one terrorist group to the other, then this is an exercise in futile.

Sohaib Faruqi
USA
Is this the answer? Will it solve all the problems? " Zulm phir Zulm hai, barhta hai to mit jata hai. Khoon phir khoon hai, tapkey ga to jam jai ga"

Khalid Zaidi
I think they did the right thing. Everybody knows that MQM is responsible for all lawlessness in Karachi so it is high time for people to realize the fact that this action is for the betterment of the country in general and for the city in particular.

Zulfiqar Ali Talpur
USA.
The govt, should have done this long ago, why did Nawaz Sharif waste so much time. Criminals should be dealt with iron hand, without any concession to anybody.

Salma Hussain
Canada
Karachi problem is very complex and it needs some high-level of intellectual study for its solution. The most important thing which the government needs to stress on is education. We cannot do anything now, but can work for changing the future of our next generation.

Sajjad Khan
Canada
It is time for Altaf hussain to come back and lead us, he always makes this excuse to public that he is hiding because his "hamdards" want him to stay there; well I 'm his one of Hamdards and I lost my brother in the name of MQM. Mr. Altaf we need you in this critical time, we need your guidance, remaining underground can solve your problems but it will not solve my middle brother's and my 70 years old father's problems, who were picked up by Karachi police last Thursday.

Junaid Mahmood
Los Angeles
Peoples don’t care about governor's rule or democracy. A normal person wants peace. We want only peace, either through martial law or through governor's rule.

Waseem
Governor's rule was the only solution to Karachi’s imbroglio, since other measures had failed to bring law and order in Sindh. The worsening of law and order situation was the creation of the government and its agencies by design and with a purpose.
The government had a firm footing owing to the representatives of Sindh in the assembly - I mean all the parties namely the largest party in Sindh Assembly (PPP), the government's party (PML-N) and the deciding party (MQM). MQM had all power to make or break a government, either that of PPP or PML-N. This power was not properly utilized. On the other hand they took advantage of in-house bickering between parties. Each of them ignored the interests of Sindh, which are at great variance with those of Punjab. Let’s all live in harmony and work for the betterment of people. Such harmony will provide others with no reason to intervene, dictate or impose governor's rule.

Prof. A.M.H.Kango
Now I can understand the situation of East Pkaistan because I can see Karachi in the same one. Mohajirs are in minority in the city. We do not need only a chief minister, we need local police (not from Punjab). A Mohajir regiment. Always keep in mind that Karachi is not like East Pakistan that you can do anything.

Anwar Ahmed
Toronto
Canada
I think only a sincere government can put a curb on violence and murders in Karachi. It is really good that the governor is an army general, and army knows very well how to deal with difficult circumstances, they can manage it. But I am afraid that police will once again play its traditional role and arrest people only and only to get "bhatta". If you need police why don’t you appoint them from Karachi? I left Pakistan only for the reason that police was arresting everyone without any information, young people were being arrested and killed just for enjoyment: just imagine 20,000 in 18 months during 1995-1996. If the governor really wants to bring peace to Karachi he has to win the hearts of people. Do not arrest any person until you are sure he is a criminal.

Shad Zaidi
I request the ruling class to restore democracy in Sindh, accept people’s mandate, which is for MQM, PPP and a few other members of PML. There is no way out. We should not forget 1971 when Bangladesh was created by the army. Governor's rule is only a repeated try to eliminate MQM from the political scene of Pakistan, which might be the last try of corrupt people who are ruling Pakistan after the death of Shahee-e-Millat Liaquat Ali Khan.

Siraj H.Warsi
Advocate
NYC
It is obvious that the PML(N)-MQM coalition in Karachi was paralysed and unable to deal with the situation. With one or two coalition partners deeply involved in violence, there was obviously no way out except for handing over to the more efficient and uncompromising PPP, which the PML(N) refused to do. The PPP had handed over a controlled situation but the PML(N)-MQM dragged it back. The MQM victimisation claim has proven false and one can only say that the PML(N) fell for it.
The murder of Hakim Saeed stirred Nawaz Sharif and he quickly removed the government, which had irresponsibly allowed the situation to deteriorate to such a stage that the terrorist were literally dictating terms to the government. Altaf is now almost a lame duck with little control over the terrorist army that he created. Nawaz too, has to share the blame as he could not properly argue openly with Altaf and he gave in to every threat made by the group. He finally realised that he was being overawed and decided probably in the best of the country’s interests to kick out his party and impose governor’s rule. How the governor fares in dealing with the situation will be apparent in the next few days.

Ikram ul Haq
I think that the government should give a free hand to the present governor. No politician from any political party should be inducted into the administration council. Only technocrats from different walks of life should be considered. The governor should deal forcefully with all terrorists. This time the army should nip the evil in the bud. Don’t consider Mohajir or Sindhi faction, please treat them all equally.

Ashar Aziz
We all know that the governor’s rule has been imposed in Sindh after the death of Hakim Saeed. How things are going on in Pakistan, everyone knows. To save the country we must kick out those politicians who are not sincere with our homeland.

Ameen
Punjab wants to rule the whole of Pakistan. So, it wasn't a surprise when governor's rule was imposed in Sindh. Mr. Prime Minister just remember that it wasn't too long ago when Bangladesh came into existence. If the same trend continues it will not be long when there will be a further division of Pakistan.

Asya Jalil
It’s good if it’s applied in true spirit, as is being said by the government. Hopefully it may create peace and law and order.

Husain Naqvi
It seems Nawaz Sharif has done the right thing. There is no other way to stop that. Although it seems that he has done this to acquire more power, as far it is in the best interest of the country he has done right.

Assad Rizvi.
Oman
The governor rule is not the solution to Sindh’s problems. Being a citizen of Pakistan, I ask of Prime Minister, that if the MQM was involved in Hakim Saeed’s murder, then why did the agencies not arrest the accused person? Why did the PM give 3 days to the alleged persons? To escape? It means there is some connivance on his part.

Mohammad Akram
New York
Enough is enough. Karachi has suffered a lot. If this was the only step that the federal government could have taken so be it. We have to end this once and for all. The whole country is suffering because of Karachi and the terrorists have to be dealt with in the harshest possible way. The government needs to set an example here so that in future no one ever tries to play with the lives of the people.

I cannot stop myself from expressing extreme shock and disbelief over some comments in which people have accused Punjab of being behind all this. If Altaf Hussain is not responsible for the killings in Karachi why doesn't he come back and face the courts, is he too afraid that the same will happen to him what he has been causing to many? We all want the same old Karachi back, all of Pakistan. Stop blaming the system, stop finding refuge in petty comments and please support the government, after all it is our government and our country.

Hamid
California, USA.
Karachi police is Punjabi, rangers are Punjabi, army is Punjabi, and now the central government is Punjabi. Karachi is the golden bird that they don't want to give up yet. Accept it or not, "Punjabi out of Karachi" is the solution to Karachi's ills.

Shafqat Mahmood
New York
The action taken by the government is absolutely fair in many ways. First to secure the lives of innocent citizens from Mohajir culprits, who are bent on doing anything to achieve their political aims. Second, the law and order, which was in jeopardy for the last many years should be secured. The third and the most important is to reveal the true identity of the MQM activists.
This action by the Government is truly fair and good, it should be extended indefinitely. All the culprits should be apprehended and thrown in jails, and if necessary they should be subdued with iron hand. I fully endorse the action of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in this regard. Enough is enough Karachi does not belong to these Mojahirs; it belongs to the actual
inhabitants of this country.

Abdul Pirzada
Chicago
USA.
One more silly decision by the rulers of our country.

Zakir Shah
Law and order need to be restored in the city. I fully support whatever it takes, without resorting to illegal activities and not violating human rights. Remember "innocent until proven guilty"

Adnan Abbas
Why wasn’t the Governor's rule imposed in Pindi/Islamabad, where the very same day Molana Abdullah got killed? Why no governor rule in Punjaab where the crime rate is 30% higher than Karachi? Chaudhry Shujaat says that Governor rule is good for the economy in Sindh. Did anyone ask him why there is no governor's rule in the rest of Pakistan while the whole country is on the verge of bankruptcy?

Syed Hussain
NYC, USA
There is only one solution to Karachi problem. Altaf Hussain be brought back to Pakistan. The government should take appropriate measures for so doing. ISI can make a deal with the West for a swap!

Rumi
I tried to figure out what some of these people actually mean when they say Governor Rule is the answer to the problems of Karachi. I would especially refer to the comments made by Mr. Zulfiqar Raza. The PML being a national party should have never made alliances with racist and ethnic groups such as MQM and ANP from the very start. However the PM tried his
best to bring these ethnic, racist parties into the political mainstream. But these ethnic parties being true to their narrow agenda never tried to change their policies except cosmetically. The PML could have still favored political expediency but enough is enough. These terrorists will never mend their ways; the only way left was to impose governor's rule and start an
action to root out these supremacists and terrorists. Just to remind you my brother, it was this sense of arrogance and unawareness to the problems faced by the masses that we lost half of our country. I don't want to get into what PML portrays in Punjab; neither will I defend MQM. All I want to say is that the people dying on the streets of
Karachi killed either by the army or by the MQM terrorists (as Mr. Zulfikar said) are loved ones. Only if Mr. Zulfikar had spent some time in Karachi or had paid attention to the genocide there, would he have thought differently.

Ahsan Mirza
amirza@cerner.com
Why was this step not taken before when common innocent people were being killed? It means that to waken up the government a famous person like Hakim Saeed has to die!

Maqsood A.Qureshi
Kuwait
I believe Nawaz Sharif has taken the right decision for Sindh. I believe it is important to act against the terrorists now. People call strikes on MQM's leader Altaf Hussain’s phone calls, who is sitting in England and passing a good life.

Mohammed Bilal Magsi
Reading
England
The government is under the obligation to protect the lives of citizens. It should do whatever is necessary to accomplish peace, regardless of race, ethnic, or religious affiliations.

Ahsan Khan
Our government's decisions/steps are politically motivated but projected to be in the interest of the nation. Governor rule is also, as usual, a politically infested decision.

Saleem Akhtar Qureshi
I think the government has some other plan, which we will see after six months. This governor rule is but one step towards the achievement of the plan.

Zahid
I am not surprised by the imposition of Governor's rule in Sindh. It is a fascist action complementing all the other fascist activities undertaken by Nawaz Sharif and his henchmen: slaughter of MQM and other political activists, harassment of citizens by the law enforcement agencies, constructive demise of the Civil democratic structure and suffocation of true progress and freedom of the Pakistani people. Instead of curing the ailment of civil disobedience Nawaz has ventured on yet another round of State repression against a genuine political party in Karachi. The use of Karachi as a diversionary scapegoat will only pay short-term dividends; its total cost will be realised later.

The imposition of Governor's rule is not the solution. The solution is a real grass roots democratic structure in which the people can solve their own problems with their own resources. The solution is to have the people’s hard work reflected in their standard of living and stop parasites leaching a free ride from another province. The solution is to have a province for the Mohajir people for the development of their culture, heritage and livelihood in a free peaceful environment. New players are playing the same old power game: twenty five years ago a drunken Punjabi general and his henchmen attempted to repress the Bengalis; now a similar situation is facing Mohajirs. The government can find enough money to kill its people but not enough to educate and feed them. How much more injustice can the citizens take? We don't want Punjabistan, Sindhistan, or Mohajirstan: what we need is a Pakistan, a truly religious and democratic state.

Javed
An excellent proposal. We hope peace and love come back to Karachi.

Mr. Major Ahktar
Unfortunately all the ethnic groups have destroyed the country. Our past record shows nothing but failures, frustration and self-incrimination. If we are not sincere in our approach we are bound to fail miserably once more. God save Pakistan.

Karim Notta
Peace seems to have evaporated from the city over the years. I strongly believe that Nawaz government has delayed to take a decision to impose Governor's Rule. I hope that at least the citizen of Karachi would be able to find some justice.

Yadish
This is the best decision ever made by this Nawaz Sharif government. The new crackdown operation should be fair and forceful against all terrorists and criminals no matter where they belong to. I fully appreciate Nawaz Sharif for this decision and pray for his success for the efforts he is making to bring peace and order back to the city of Karachi.

Mirza Abdul Karim
Toronto, Ontario
The same mistake that was done in 1971 is being repeated. They thought they would kill a few thousand Bengalis and every thing will settle down; they have a separate country now. Bhutto thought he would kill a couple of thousands in Karachi and Hyderabad and the 1977 Nine Star movement would settle down: he does not exist any more. Sohrab Goth, Shah Faisal Colony, Hyderabad (30th September 1988), Orangi Town, Pakka Qila Hyderabad Operation, Creation of Haqiqi by Nawaz Sharif and Asif Nawaz Janjua and bloodshed, Naseer Ullah Babar’s Operation Clean-up, all these things are making MQM stronger and stronger.

Read the history; there is no way you can stop a movement by shedding blood. The more blood you put in this movement the stronger it will be. If shedding blood was the answer to the situation, there would have been no revolution in France, there would have been no independent Pakistan, there would have been no Labor Day in this world. Anybody who rules Pakistan should know that the only way to settle the Karachi issue is by being just to everybody. The basic problem is that everybody is partial in Pakistan or is thought to be partial. The only way to settle the problem in Karachi is to sit and talk with sincerity. Don’t talk behind closed doors like MQM , PPP and PML do. Talk on television, talk in newspapers. Let the people know what is wrong with the system. For the sake of Allah, don’t shed any more blood. Don’t allow police to fire on anybody, don’t allow police to pick up anybody they want to just to make money. Ask Amnesty International to send 2000 observers in Karachi. You are not saving Pakistan, by doing this again and again.

Ghayas
USA
I fail to understand the followers of Altaf, as a leader he should be leading from the front; return to Pakistan as a brave man and come clean, or is he hiding in London for some unknown reason. While a lot of Pakistanis have died, Mr. Altaf is only interested in saving his own skin. With so much violence in Karachi Governor's rule is welcome for the people of Karachi.

Ajmal Khan
Hongkong.
We are supportive of the Governor’s rule; the government should use this opportunity to really eliminate all terrorists including the Haqiqis and also other corrupt elements, major one being police who are involved in car thefts and dacoity.

Shamsul Islam
If for country’s sake we lost the Sindh Assembly, nevermind, provided the country is safe from terrorists. I appreciate Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif’s decision to impose governor’s rule.

Capt. Arshed Mahmood
Athens, Greece
Karachi problem is highly complex. To solve this problem, it is imperative that we first analyse and draw realistic conclusions, free of any prejudices. Then we need national consensus over what should be the priorities. Definitely there will be short-term measures to be taken as well as long-term ones. But what we really need is a strong will, and absolute absence of hypocrisy, which has become way of life nowadays. Governor rule can be a good start, but without serious, sincere, clearly defined and meticulously worked out multi-faceted, comprehensive national agenda, we could only hope against hope.

Safi
Punjab doesn't want Urdu-speaking people in power. It’s time Mohajirs stood up for an independent province. Mohajir made Pakistan so there is no reason why Karachi and Hyderabad not be made a province.

Shahpupi Khan
Being uncivilised to the core, Pakistan cannot afford to nurture 'western' democratic values. It is better if the entire Pakistan is brought under some dictatorship with or without the help of Shariat. With that power and progress Pakistan can 'liberate' Kashmir and take pride in that.

Satheesan Varier
Racism is spread by majorities not by minorities. And it’s time for Punjab to admit that it has taken an unfair advantage of its majority. Stop labeling Mohajirs as racists. I can bet there is not a single Mohajir or Urdu-speaking person who talks about an independent state or spreading terrorism. All Mohajirs want is peace in Karachi, fair share of power and fundamental rights. Why cannot an Urdu-speaking person be the chief minister of Sindh?

Karachi generates a big percentage of the revenue for the country. And the country doesn't repay or spend money in Karachi. That's discrimination. And there are lots of cases like that. If governor rule is to get criminals off the streets then its right. But if this step is taken to suppress MQM so that PML can rule Sindh again then it will be a big mistake.

Adil Anwar
Unless the Mohajir is allowed into the local police and government, and until people like Gen. Babar and his present counterparts are held accountable for the massacre of Mohajirs, the land of Sachel Sarmast will just be another Serbia where the blood of the Mohajir will always be the cheapest commodity.

Hashir Abdi
USA
There is a limit to everything. Mr. Hakim Saeed's murder at last forced the government to take a serious action and part ways with the murderers and impose the rule of law. The diehard criminals of MQM must be dealt the way the were dealt by Lt.Gen. Naseerullah Babar.

Naeem.
The governor rule is not the solution to Sindh’s problem. Sindh is the only province facing law and order situation for quite a long time; the question is who is doing? Where is the ammunition coming from? Why are different agencies not coming under the control one person? The main problem is a weak political system. There are people who do not want to see stability in Sindh. They want to make it a colony.

Muhammad Naeem Akhter
Heading towards the logical end as in their first term. The power makes man blind and this has been proven time and again, this time is no exception.

Kausar Shah
It's a worst decision of government, as they know they don't have the ability to face the truth. And truth is that Punjab wants to rule Pakistan at any cost. The army, intelligence agencies, landlord all over are gods of Pakistan.

Sumaiya Hasan
PML being a national party should have never made alliances with racist and ethnic groups such as MQM and ANP from the start. However the PM tried his best to bring these ethnic, racist parties into the political mainstream. But these ethnic parties being true to their narrow agenda never tried to change their policies except cosmetically. The PML could have still favoured political expediency but enough is enough. These terrorists will never mend their ways; the only way left was to impose governor's rule and start an action to root out these supremacists and terrorists.

Zulfiqar Raza
MQM has essentially become a mafia organization run by its boss Altaf Hussain from a foreign land against the people of Karachi. Whenever the government eases its stance towards them they go out of control. It happened during the PPP government and it is happening now under the PML. This is good enough a proof for the people with little common sense and basic intelligence. The governor's rule will only be a temporary setback for MQM because Altaf Hussain is getting external support and he can easily wait for things to return to normal. Unfortunately, Nawaz Sharif and all the yes-men he has now gathered around him are not professional people so they will support anything legal or illegal that may take place under the governor’s rule. This will be a recipe for disaster.

Iftikhar Ahmed
I am not concerned as to who is ruling the Sindh province, the governor or the elected government; I want my Karachi back, as peaceful and loving as a mother's lap, at any cost.

Khalid Mahmud
South Carolina, USA
Nawaz Sharif is not sincere in solving the problems of Pakistan. Any action taken by him is depending on the "Maslihat". He released all the MQM criminals on parole and some of them were also seen in provincial assembly, National assembly and senate to his support in the government. What would you expect from these criminals? Since they announced that they would not support the government on the Shariat Bill, Nawaz Sharif started seeing every thing clearer; now he can see the intelligence report very clearly and now he has more trust on his government force and their reports for maintaining law and order. He will see the result of all his "Maslihat" very soon. Any step with "Maslihat" like Governor Rule or any thing will ruin the country. According to old news I still remember Syed Ghous Ali Shah was on top of the list of Patharidars. Now he is not only the Education Minister but is also trying to be a "Mushir -e Alla" of the Governor. I can easily see the result of the governor’s rule.

Tariq
Canada
I fully support the government as the law and order situation in Karachi is one of the most important issues that faces our nation today.

Faiz Rehman
If the governor’s rule or the army’s rule was the solution, then Bangladesh tragedy could not have happened. The rulers keep betting on the horses which have always lost. Pakistan is the most beautiful country on earth, but has been taken over by vultures in the shape of corrupt politicians, corrupt bureaucrats and now the corrupt army officers.

Saadat
Keeping in view the law and order situation in Sindh and particularly in Karachi, the imposition of Governor's rule is appreciated with the hope that unlike all previous undemocratic practices this time the central government and administrator Sindh would succeed in bringing real peace in Karachi. In my opinion, this is the last chance for the present government to show their strength and bring about peace in Karachi. If Nawaz Sharif fails to solve the problem, then we should better forget the integrity of Pakistan. This failure would definitely give a boost to separatists and other trouble-creators to damage the integrity of the country.

Gulfraz
Again and again the government has been using force against the people of Karachi, but I do not understand why the same is not done in Punjab, Sindh, Sarhad and Baluchistan against the Chaudhry, Waderra, and Sardar.

Anwar Ahmed
Toronto
Canada
It is a shame that this drastic step had to be taken to solve the Karachi situation. It is difficult to believe the government would act properly and do everything possible for the people. On the other hand, MQM, both, have had their chances since early 80's. These parties are corrupt and vicious. They are killers and should be dealt with like killers. They should be punished. Let's try the Governor Rule. Everything else has failed.

Junaid Khan
Houston, Texas USA
Having failed to deliver what he promised with absolute majority in the National Assembly, and more than enough power in the province of Sindh, Mr. Sharif has resorted to unconstitutional tactics of Governor's rule. He should accept the responsibility of his failed policy in Sindh and resign. That is the only respectable thing for him to do.

Naveed Khan
USA
It is just an excuse used by government to kill some more Mohajirs. The Government of Pakistan has no belief in democracy. How many people are they going to kill. Karachi is MQM and MQM is Karachi. Talked to the local peoples in Karachi they told me everyone knows who killed Hakeem Saeed. The only one who does not know is government.

Najam Rahman
The decision taken by the Prime Minister, is absolutely no good. He was interested in imposing Governor’s rule in Sindh just to run the government.

Mohammad Akram
New York

Back Issues | Current Issue
The News International