CLOSE to 16,000 shops and merchant outlets, reportedly belonging to Pashtuns, across Karachi have been burnt down by arsonists as part of the ongoing spree of violence. Other rival groups have, perhaps, suffered as much, which makes the scenario of infighting quite alarming. Target killings aim to ruin the peace and destroy the economy of the countrys commercial capital. Indeed, the destruction of shops would underscore the ethnic fault lines that have rocked the city for decades. So it is time that the forces that have been using blood and iron strategies in order to literally conquer the city were now brought to justice. Karachi belongs to no one but the people of Pakistan and no group, political or apolitical, has the right to forcefully take the city under its thumb. Law and order ought to be preserved at all costs. However, it is a matter of great surprise that the Rangers and the Police, despite having extensive powers, have failed to control the troublemakers, vandalising public property and spreading terror in broad daylight. Granted, it is Pakistans largest city both in terms of geography and population, but at the same time a coordinated effort by the law enforcement agencies, for instance by raising surveillance in violence-prone areas, and nabbing criminals regardless of their links with political groups, would have made a lot of difference. Also the comment of the IG Sindh that the police force is short of staff deserves attention. Meanwhile more and more people are asking if peace can be brought back to Swat, why not Karachi? The continued violence also bears testimony to political failure. Prime Minister Gilani has held meetings with coalition partners in Sindh, but without any success. Karachiites have been paying a heavy price owing to infighting of the parties ruling over the province. They have been condemned to living a life of fear facing thugs and armed groups on a daily basis. The failure of the coalition partners in Karachi to bury the hatchet will further reinforce peoples mistrust of the leadership.