Our Role in Rescuing Karachi
By Naveed Khan
Pleasanton, CA
People of Pakistan and expatriate Pakistanis need to lend their voice and moral support to the present government on its plan and operation to reclaim a peaceful, tolerant and prosperous Karachi.
Nobody can deny Karachi's significance as an industrial, business and cultural center of Pakistan. The country's economy, integrity, and ideology are seriously threatened with ethnic and sectarian violence in the city. Enemies of Pakistan are taking advantage of this divide by providing arms and finances to anti-national people to fuel violence and ethnic strife. It is incumbent upon the political leadership of Karachi to support federal and provincial governments' effort and I believe the MQM has a tremendous responsibility. Its claim and reputation as an enlightened and patriotic leadership is at stake.
The MQM leadership has to initiate the reconciliation process by controlling its party cadre, to stop violence, extortion and disarm its militant wing completely and forever. As MQM does that, I believe that similar and simultaneous action must be initiated by PPP, ANP, Sindh Nationalists and religious parties.
The expatriate community of 7 .5 million Pakistanis who have profound love and nostalgic affiliation with Karachi have to provide moral and vocal support and fully stand by the government’s efforts. The government needs to be steadfast, determined, unflinching and fair in all its actions. In my opinion the 18 million people of Karachi with the support of the other 160 million Pakistanis and 7.5 million expatriates will restore Karachi as a great city for all Pakistanis. I urge expatriate Pakistanis to visit Karachi in greater number to provide financial and social impetus to reclaiming Karachi.
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