A clash between the activists of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) can be termed as a precursor to a new political scenario in Karachi. The PTI and MQM have been at daggers drawn due the exchange of barbs by the leadership of both parties. Karachi’s Azizabad area turned into a battleground when a turf war started between the workers of both parties. One of the PTI’s founding members Imran Ismail had come to the area to oversee arrangements for the campaign rally for his candidacy for NA-246, when his convoy was attacked by MQM workers. An FIR has been registered against the workers of the MQM and the latter also registered a counter-FIR against the PTI activists. The PTI is eager to win the by-elections in NA-246 — the seat that fell vacant after the resignation of Nabeel Gabol. It was unfortunate that the attack incident took place in one of the MQM’s strongholds. The leadership of the MQM should have acted democratically and its workers should not have been allowed to resort to violence. It is the right of every political party to take part in elections and pursue voters through peaceful canvassing. Rivalries do exist among political parties but they should not descend into violence. After this incident, the MQM has shown some maturity when Governor Ishratul Ibad intervened to defuse the tension between both the parties while party supremo Altaf Hussain has invited the PTI to hold a rally in Azizabad’s Jinnah Ground or any other place in Karachi. Since the 2013 general elections, Karachiites are looking for a change because they have become tired of a terrible law and order situation. They are looking for a saviour because the MQM has failed to deliver. In this tense situation, the MQM might have read the writing on the wall. There are clear indications that the MQM is losing its popularity in Karachi due to a number of controversies befalling the party that include a raid by the Rangers on Nine Zero, a statement by death row convict Saulat Mirza and now the arrest of party leader Muhammad Anwar in a money laundering case in London. Due to all these factors, the MQM is in a tight spot. In these circumstances, the PTI is eying Karachi and wants to capitalise on the beleaguered position of the MQM. The PTI is slowly getting support in Karachi. That is the reason the PTI is targeting the strongholds of the MQM. PTI Chairman Imran Khan is paving the ground to challenge the monopoly of the MQM. A change is coming slowly and the situation will be further clear after the results of the by-election in NA-246 that has been the MQM’s constituency for the last 20 years. In any democratic setup, every political party must be provided with a level playing field and the use of coercive measures must be discouraged. There must be an end to politically motivated turf wars and the law enforcement agencies as well as relevant authorities need to take steps for the elimination of violence and terror from politics. After the clash, both parties are calling for the formulation of a code of conduct that should have been enforced before the unpleasant incident. The situation in Karachi is already terrible and it cannot afford the politics of agitation any more. The attack on the PTI workers is condemnable. Karachi should not be held hostage by any political party. It is sad that there is very little to no tolerance in our society. Extremism has played a big part in creating this atmosphere of intolerance coupled with apathy on the part of the general public and a lack of proper law enforcement. The leadership of all political parties must teach their workers to remain peaceful during any canvassing campaigns. The PTI needs to establish its credibility among the masses. Imran Khan is projecting himself as a saviour of Karachi but first he should prove himself the saviour of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where he has been provided with an opportunity to bring change. The citizens of Karachi are themselves tired of violence, extortion and targeted killings and they are looking for change, but this change must be a positive one. *