THE fragile law and order situation in Karachi, particularly the target killings, continues to be a source of big worry. The recent incident is that of Haji Jalal Khan, former councillor of MQM, who was killed along with two of his sons. The same day, an activist of the Haqiqi group was also shot dead by unknown terrorists. Just after these killings, a wave of panic spread through the area. Shops were closed and people hid themselves in their homes, a feature of almost daily routine. A report of the HRC of Pakistan says 100 persons belonging to different political groups have been shot dead during the past six months. They were all victims of target killings. This reminds one of the ruthless violence mostly ethnic in nature during the 90s in which thousands of people lost their lives. The city was but like a war zone where different ethnic groups fought pitched battles to establish their supremacy. Today, it seems to be slipping into the same abyss and only efforts on a war footing by the government could prevent that. Concurrently, it is the collective responsibility of different political and ethnic groups based in Karachi to display good sense and act with restraint. The reality cannot be ignored that because of mutual hostility the city has had to go through ethnic bloodletting. They would be doing a disservice to the country and their parties if they do not shun the path of aggression.