Justice for Lyari gang war

The political turf is set to shaken with the expected release of the Uzair Baloch and Nisar Morai Joint Investigation Team (JIT) reports and this time around the PPP could be on the receiving end.

After immense pressure and court orders, the Sindh government has decided to make public both reports along with the one relating to Baldia factory inferno on July 6. The report has some startling revelations when Lyari gang war was at its peak and Uzair Baloch continued a reign of terror with impunity.

The notorious gang leader has confessed to killing 198 people including policemen and security personnel. He also wiped all opponents and organized a vast criminal network in Lyari including extortion, drugs and weapons. He was eventually chased out when an operation was launched in 2013 and been under custody since 2016.

What makes the JIT report controversial with political ramification are Uzair Baloch’s alleged ties with the PPP, which the party strongly denies. As leader of the Peoples Amn Committee, he was seen with many high-profile leaders including the chief minister. Reports surfaced that he perpetrated several crimes on the orders of PPP leaders including former president Asif Zardari and his sister Faryal Talpur.

The PPP has vehemently denied that the JIT report mentions any party leader and has called federal minister Ali Zaidi – who approached the court to release the reports – to prove the allegations. This has also raised concerns the JIT report has been tampered and a watered down version which absolves PPP leaders will be released.

This is a serious offence and once again the court will be approached to release the authentic report. Uzair Baloch has been charged with serious offences and the involvement of political leaders must be investigated and action should be taken. This will be another long drawn battle that could have serious repercussions.

The PPP ruled Sindh during the gang war making Karachi one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Lyari remained the most volatile and impoverished area while no action was taken against those responsible for the worsening law and order situation. The people of Karachi particularly the victims of the Lyari gang war need justice and all involved in the criminal activities must be brought to book.