Sir: The daring attack in Karachi on a Military Police (MP) jeep killing two officers shows terrorists and criminals have upped the ante, which requires an immediate crackdown otherwise it will have serious consequences on an already precarious security situation. When a terrorist attack occurred during the Boston Marathon, the whole county was shut down till such time as all suspects were caught or killed. Karachi, ravaged by criminals, target killers and a booming criminal economy, has become a place hospitable for terrorists by facilitating funding through criminal activities and acquiring weapons. These terrorists have merged with criminals in our cities and towns, and it is impossible to wage a war against terrorism unless an all out operation is mounted against every individual or group found involved in the use of violence. Either we are in a war or we are not. If it is war, extraordinary procedures should be adopted. Surveillance by the civil elected executive should only be confined to ensure an independent joint investigation team, with no rights for selective justice because of any political considerations. Our border security, customs, intelligence and immigration should have zero tolerance for any irregularities, and every citizen or uniformed person must go through proper scrutiny because terrorists have mounted attacks wearing various uniforms in the past. ALI MALIK TARIQ Lahore