On the 27th of Zilhaj, October 12, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah presided over an extraordinary meeting on law and order in the context of Muharram security arrangements during the first 10 days of Muharram. Governor Ishratul Ibad Khan attended the meeting, which included relevant ministers from the Sindh cabinet and Rangers Major DG General Bilal Akbar, additional inspectors general of police A.D. Khwaja, Mushtaq Meher and Sanaullah, and heads of intelligence agencies. This list of persons is important as it is also important to take notice of the late date of the meeting. It was held at the eleventh hour, just three days before Muharram.
Everyone knows Muharram is a trying time in Karachi, a time of tension when we hold our breath and fervently pray no tragic incident takes place. Adding to the tension is the forthcoming Local Government polls taking place almost simultaneously with Muharram. There is need for double the vigilance because banned fanatical outfits have started to reappear with new names.
But can there be better security with more Rangers and Police personnel prowling through this city? The Rangers said they will launch a special operation against banned outfits 'ahead of Muharram'. Is just two or three days really 'ahead of Muharram'? We people witness various types of outfits gathering outside the Karachi Press Club and their leaders makes hate speech. What were the Rangers and Police doing to prevent it? Noting.
During Muharram it is not only the fanatical organisations who prepare to cause mayhem, but covert organisations, allegedly foreign-funded, with a political agenda to rock the economic boat of the country, who use the Ashura to bathe Karachi in blood. Last year Muharram was a relatively peaceful time with security managed by the Rangers. The peace during Muharram last year was an exhibition of Ranger power. Rangers see Muharram operation as a test of their prowess and skills. But will they be able to ensure peace this Muharram? We will soon know in the course of the week.
It is to be noted that the banned fanatical outfits have re-emerged in the same period that the Rangers have taken total control of the law and order situation in the city. How is this possible? The reason is that their focus had shifted to wiping out militant wings of political parties, especially the MQM and to some extent the PPP.
They have totally ignored the emergence of banned fanatical organisations under new names. It is well known that extremist organisations are largely anti-Shia. Muharram is the time to display their hate in bomb blasts, suicide bombings, attempts to disrupt the Muharram processions. If last year they were unable to do damage it was also because the Shia scouts had done a lot of hard work to ensure the security of the procession routes.
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