It is extremely painful to see the frequent target killings take a heavy toll on the lives of innocent citizens of Karachi. No leader of MQM, PPP or the ANP can realize the suffering and pain of bereaved families. The leaders are only paying lip service or lodging protest against each other as coalition partners in Sind government. Unfortunately, no thorough inquiry ever took place. Perpetrators have gone scot-free. There are a number of people who have begun to raise their voice that thugs in Karachi are being patronized by political parties in the city. I am certain that if MQM leaves coalition in the Sindh government, target killing will immediately stop because then as opposition party they would have full liberty to expose the perpetrators. Under the circumstances, while they sit with the government, they have to be compassionate. I also think that MQM is only shedding crocodile tears for Karachites right now. Perhaps this feature of politics is the backbone of Sind politics used adroitly by various parties. Therefore, if the MQM is sincere, it must quit the coalition government and stand up as real opposition party. SHAHID, Rome, October 18.