Law and order in Karachi

The situation in Pakistan is troublesome probably the worst in the history of the country. The security situation deteriorates continuously - the country is challenged by growing Islamic militancy and terrorism, which already caused hundreds of casualties. This crisis is intensified by an economic crisis, water and energy shortage as well as drug and human trafficking. In order to encounter and solve these complex problems the state of Pakistan must ensure rule of law particularly a well-established and independent judicial system. Pakistan is an embattled state, but at the same time Pakistan and its people are also a misunderstood nation.

Pakistan is a war zone facing serious threats from militants and terrorists besides a number of other problems and difficulties that urgently demand the establishment of democratic structures as well as rule of law. In the light of the current crisis, high-ranking guests from Pakistan and various German experts discussed structures and deficits of rule of law as well as the current state of affairs, parallel legal systems, the relationship between politics and judiciary and the role Karachi, today, is a violent urban jungle with an assortment of lowlifes keeping the population hostage to their bastardly instincts. At the centre of this is the majority of Karachi-ites, resigned to their fate, living from day to day, a terrified, terrible existence. Extortion is common practice. Speak to businessmen and shopkeepers in the city and one realises the extent of the menace. People of all ethnicities and political affiliations are involved in it. KARACHI - Karachi is the countrys investment and trade gateway and a key player in economic performance of the country, contributing around $90 billion to the countrys total annual GDP and generating 65pc of the national revenue. There are around 15,000 industrial units in the 5 industrial units of Karachi and as such any disturbance in Karachi directly and indirectly affects whole economy of Pakistan. However, the industries of Karachi are suffering due to poor law and order situation, power shortages, low water supply, and gas loadshedding. A one day strike in Karachi causes more than Rs 10 billion loss to Pakistans economy.

Karachi has seen many killings. But for the most part they are either politically motivated, are the result of extortion and land grabbing, or are owed to terrorism. These menaces have come to define the city, unfortunately. The police are not only corrupt and criminalised but also lacks manpower, equipment, investigation skills and professional integrity and independence. This is a recipe for disaster in Pakistans financial hub. To imagine that the Sindh government and, by extension, the federal government can mount effective counterterrorism operations in a city that the vermin of all types hold
The official figures pertaining to the year 2012, as many as 95 people were slain in January. In February 90 persons were butchered; in March 131 were put to permanent sleep; April, the month of Lyari operation, saw 187 deaths; May 193; June 184; July 195 and; August 179. The month of September was the bloodiest so far in which 265 lives were lost while in October 252 were killed. And in November 230 were killed.