Karachi is the largest city and financial hub of Pakistan. However, the city have been engulfed with different crimes including terrorism, target killing, extortion, kidnapping for ransom, encroachment and others.

With the pledge to eliminate violence, Karachi Operation is a ‘cleansing scheme’ against terrorists, target killers, kidnappers and their abettors. The operation was formally boosted after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to the terror-haunted city on September 7, 2013, where he took into confidence the government of Sindh for launching a targeted operation.

Pakistan Rangers have been mandated to curb criminal activities along with busting all sorts of gangs whether or not under any political patronage. The operation has marked several achievements in restoring the peace of the city.

According to the figures given by Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the ‘target killing has declined by 63%.’ The report further confirms that ‘throughout 2015 not more than 250 people were killed as compared to the death toll of 2014 which reached over 500.’

Karachi being the economic hub of Pakistan is of utmost importance. Tolerating any violence in the city hampers economic growth of the country. The government of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz is having the second experience of cleansing Karachi. Previously it launched a massive operation in 1992.

The latest figures given by the city police said that “61,851 suspects, including 1,802 murderers, 879 terrorists, 119 kidnappers and 2,775 robbers have been arrested by the police since September 5, 2013”. Whereas Rangers spokesperson stated that “10,353 suspects, including 826 terrorists, 334 target killers, 296 extortionists and 82 kidnappers have been arrested during the first 23 months of operation”.

In the compact analysis, the operation is a timely fulfilled duty for liberating the citizens of Karachi from fear. It should continue unbiased. At the same time, the government needs to draft a comprehensive long-term plan for Karachi after the operation. After all, this space cannot be permanently ceded to non-civilian forces.