There were two statements of Rehman Malik recently in connection with the violence in Karachi. He said in one that all illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Afghanistan must leave Karachi within 15 days. That is easier said than done, as the process requires a long time and a lot of cost if we are to send these people to their home countries. Besides, it would be a waste of money because, after all, we have no evidence that these are the people actually involved in violence. His other statement, even more outrageous, was that if the violence does not stop, all arms licenses would be cancelled. I dont understand the philosophy behind this statement. If they take away the licensed arms, the small chance citizens have of defending themselves will be lost too, making people totally helpless when confronted by Taliban. I think it is time the ministers should start talking some sense which benefits the people, rather than terrorists. -ZAFAR ISRAR, Karachi, January 10.