RELIGION-EID/PAKISTAN-SECURITY Pakistan's Karachi buzzing with pre-Eid activity after a long spell of violence

Record ID: 147114

  • Title: RELIGION-EID/PAKISTAN-SECURITY Pakistan's Karachi buzzing with pre-Eid activity after a long spell of violence
  • Date: 15th July 2015
  • Summary: KARACHI, PAKISTAN (JULY 11, 2015) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF CROWDED STREET VARIOUS OF A WOMAN TRYING SHOES SHOES ON DISPLAY VARIOUS OF CUSTOMERS AT CHILDREN'S GARMENTS STORE CHILDREN BAGS ON DISPLAY WOMEN AT A CHILDREN'S GARMENTS STORE VARIOUS OF WOMEN SHOPPING (SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) LOCAL HOUSEWIFE, SHARIQA IQBAL, SAYING: "In the past there was so much fear that no one would ventu
  • Embargoed: 30th July 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Pakistan
  • Country: Pakistan
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA1388W4YQ6JX1C3G9DHG1T4KO
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Market places in Pakistan's port city of Karachi are swarming with people these days - families are out shopping for clothes, shoes and, trinkets for the upcoming festival of Eid al-Fitr.
    The holiday marks the end of the month of Ramadan when observant Muslims fast from dawn to sunset.
    Markets become alive soon after 'iftar', the breaking of the fast, and hum with activity until almost suhoor, the pre-dawn meal.
    Traders and customers in the volatile city say that they see a clear improvement in the security situation in the area.
    Karachi has seen some of the worst incidents of violence in the past five years, especially the old city neighbourhoods where the country's biggest and busiest wholesale and retail markets are located.
    In Ramadan, the holy month when Muslims freely give alms and donations, the situation in Karachi would become grim, with various groups trying to forcefully collect 'zakat' (a form of obligatory alms-giving and religious tax in Islam) and 'fitra' (charity given to the poor at the end of the month of fasting) from the businessmen.
    In many incidents, shop owners were killed in broad daylight to instil fear among others.
    A city of more than 18 million, Karachi has a long history of violence, and ethnic, religious and sectarian disputes and political rows in the past have often exploded into battles engulfing entire neighbourhoods.
    With customers terrified of being mugged or even killed if they ventured out to the shops, markets remained comparatively deserted during Ramadan, a shopping season for which businesses prepare the whole year.
    In September 2013, the government initiated the Karachi Operation, led by the paramilitary Rangers force, to rid the metropolis of criminals, irrespective of their political, ethnic or religious affiliation.
    This year, businessmen say the security situation in Karachi has improved and locals, thronging the sprawling city's markets are equally satisfied.
    "In the past there was so much fear that no one would venture out. People would not come to markets because of tension and worries (about security), but thank God, now it has become so peaceful that we can roam around without any fear," said young housewife Shariqa Iqbal.
    Local school teacher, Mohammad Ibrahim, who was out shopping with his wife for Eid clothes, said the Rangers-led operation may have stirred a controversy among politicians, but that people on the street are satisfied.
    "Now things are looking better because of the hard work of the Rangers and the police. Now we can come out without any fear. In the past we were afraid of being mugged if we ventured out, or even getting killed because target killing had reached such a high level. But now it is no more like that," he said.
    Analysts say incidents of targeted killing, extortion and kidnapping for ransom have dropped significantly in the city as a result of the Rangers operation.
    Baboo Bhai, whose makeshift roving Playland had for years been extremely popular with children accompanying their parents during Ramadan shopping nights, says he has brought his rides to market after a lapse of five years.
    "For the past five years, the situation has been bad, but this year people are coming out into the markets, even from far off localities of the city. Seeing the great rush of people, we have once again set up our rides and swings," he said, as dozens of gleeful children took to the various rides.
    Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Zahid Khan said that the improved security situation is down to a combined effort from different police departments.
    "Today the situation is different from a year back. Totally different. We should be grateful to Allah for that. It is not only through our personnel endeavours, but the endeavours of the entire police department, as well as the great efforts of the Rangers that the situation has improved to such an extent. Criminals have been demoralized, and the trust of the public on the security agencies has increased," Khan said.
    Sharjeel Memon, Information Minister for the province of Sindh, of which Karachi is the capital, told reporters last week that stern action would be taken against those playing into the hands of anti-state elements and against those using extortion and other funds for terrorism or assisting terrorists.
    He said different 'mafias' had taken refuge in the suburbs of Karachi - the city that accounts for 65 percent revenues and 80 percent trade activities of the country -- and have affected the business activity by disturbing the city's peace, but vowed that there would be 'zero tolerance' for criminal acts.
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