I'm intrigued by Pakistan's political history and one thing that's captured my attention in recent reading is the turbulent political scene in Karachi in the 1990s. For those who don't know, a military operation named "Operation Clean-up" was launched in June 1992 by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The government said it was intended to curb crime, political violence and the flow of illegal weapons in Karachi which had increased during the Soviet-Afghan War. But it transpired that the MQM were the main targets of the operation.
MQM had established itself in the 1980s representing the grievances of the Urdu speaking Mohajir community who believed they were being discriminated against and was reported to have gained backing from Zia-ul-Haq's military regime who wanted to reduce the PPP's power in Sindh.
The operation was more vigorously pursued by Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and her Interior Minister Naseerullah Babar. The years following were some of the bloodiest in the history of the city with thousands killed. MQM workers and paramilitary forces waged fierce street battles and many people went missing. There were reports of extrajudicial killings and torture. In 1995, there were 25 general strikes causing economic disruption. I believe the MQM also split into factions with the Altaf and Haqiqi factions.
My questions are:
1) For those who lived in the city, what were your memories of that time ? If its too personal or distressing you don't have to answer.
2) What were your thoughts on the "Jinnahpur" scandal that was used as a pretext for the operation ? Some allege that the maps were fabricated whereas others say there were authentic.
3) Who was more responsible for the violence - MQM or the government forces ? Were the government and Naseerullah Babar too heavy handed ?
4) Given the backdrop of political violence in Karachi in the last 25 years, what are the prospects for the future ? Is the situation stabilising now ?
And feel free to add any other relevant thoughts in general. Please keep it civil as I hope this thread can be informative and useful learning for folks, thanks.
MQM had established itself in the 1980s representing the grievances of the Urdu speaking Mohajir community who believed they were being discriminated against and was reported to have gained backing from Zia-ul-Haq's military regime who wanted to reduce the PPP's power in Sindh.
The operation was more vigorously pursued by Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and her Interior Minister Naseerullah Babar. The years following were some of the bloodiest in the history of the city with thousands killed. MQM workers and paramilitary forces waged fierce street battles and many people went missing. There were reports of extrajudicial killings and torture. In 1995, there were 25 general strikes causing economic disruption. I believe the MQM also split into factions with the Altaf and Haqiqi factions.
My questions are:
1) For those who lived in the city, what were your memories of that time ? If its too personal or distressing you don't have to answer.
2) What were your thoughts on the "Jinnahpur" scandal that was used as a pretext for the operation ? Some allege that the maps were fabricated whereas others say there were authentic.
3) Who was more responsible for the violence - MQM or the government forces ? Were the government and Naseerullah Babar too heavy handed ?
4) Given the backdrop of political violence in Karachi in the last 25 years, what are the prospects for the future ? Is the situation stabilising now ?
And feel free to add any other relevant thoughts in general. Please keep it civil as I hope this thread can be informative and useful learning for folks, thanks.
