no go areas

Lyari – home to lawlessness, politically motivated violence and crime – is an infamous 'no-go area'

Lyari – home to lawlessness, politically motivated violence and crime – is an infamous 'no-go area' in the financial capital of Pakistan, Karachi. It has a population of about one million people, but only limited presence of law enforcement agencies, so criminals often find refuge here. One very rarely hears of police operations in this area.

I went to Lyari on my recent visit to Pakistan and got to know of a lot more than what is reported by the media about the place and the people. On my way to Lyari, I was accompanied by locals and one of them asked me, "What do you think of Lyari?" I diplomatically replied, "my understanding of the place is limited and I would rather learn more from you". They did in fact admit that media reports are not completely incorrect in labelling Lyari insecure and a home to violence. The place was calm during the day but there was fear of the dark nights and gang fights. I could sense that there was a disaster in the making. Soon after, clashes began between two groups began – the so-called Peoples Amn (peace) Committee (PAC), and the Kutchi Raabta Committee (KRC) – both fighting for control in Lyari. Both PAC and KRC are Lyari-based political groups. It is important to clarify that PAC is not a peacebuilding group, though it may appear to be from its name, it is one of the groups responsible for the violence.Is it because they are scared of this area which is notorious for gang wars? It appears as if local political representatives have not been paying any attention to the development of the area. It looks like the largest slum of Karachi. I felt a great discontent among the people against the politicians. In the case of Lyari, I remember what Aristotle said, "Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime".

A local from the area told me that every night they hear gun shots from the clashes between local groups

A local from the area told me that every night they hear gun shots from the clashes between local groups. Another person from Lyari, a school teacher, shared that there were a few students who got caught up between the crossfire and got injured. Some students have lost their family members. The teacher also mentioned that these students are still dealing with the trauma of losing a family member.

A permanent solution is needed to address the socio-economic, political and other challenges faced by the people in Lyari. They need a more sustainable approach based on infrastructural development, education, social awareness and the effectiveness of law enforcement. Nonetheless, in the short-run the prevalence of security is a pre-requisite for development in Lyari. It seems that some relevant authorities are addressing this issue – recently PAC has been banned by the Sindh Home Department from carrying out any political or social activities. I see this as a step in the right direction to maintain the law and order needed for achieving other desired objectives for the welfare of the people of Lyari.