Operation Lyari

Published April 29, 2012
Armed policemen are seen through the shattered window of a police van which was damaged during a firefight with gang members. – Photo by Reuters
Armed policemen are seen through the shattered window of a police van which was damaged during a firefight with gang members. – Photo by Reuters
Police commandos take cover during a crackdown operation against criminals. – Photo by AP
Police commandos take cover during a crackdown operation against criminals. – Photo by AP
A relative mourns at a hospital next to a dead body killed in crossfire between police and criminal gangs during the operation. Local media reported six people including a police officer were killed and several injured. – Photo by AFP
A relative mourns at a hospital next to a dead body killed in crossfire between police and criminal gangs during the operation. Local media reported six people including a police officer were killed and several injured. – Photo by AFP
A police commando fires in the air as he crosses a street during the operation against criminal gangs. – Photo by AFP
A police commando fires in the air as he crosses a street during the operation against criminal gangs. – Photo by AFP
Police commandos fire in the air during an operation against criminal gangs. – Photo by AFP
Police commandos fire in the air during an operation against criminal gangs. – Photo by AFP
A woman walks through a street during a firefight between the police and gang members. – Photo by Reuters
A woman walks through a street during a firefight between the police and gang members. – Photo by Reuters
Several police commandos enter the troubled area to carry out a crackdown against criminals. – Photo by AP
Several police commandos enter the troubled area to carry out a crackdown against criminals. – Photo by AP

For the last several days, the densely populated neighbourhood of Lyari has been echoing with endless volleys of gunfire. At times the sound of gunfire is interrupted by rocket-propelled grenades, forcing most residents to either remain indoors or run for life.

Violence seems to have become a permanent feature of life in one of the oldest and most impoverished neighbourhoods in Karachi. In the latest round of bloodletting, security forces have squared off against gunmen and ‘gangsters’ following the murder of a seasoned Pakistan People’s Party activist on Thursday.

However, while security forces confronted gunmen armed with grenades and other heavy weapons, many outside of Lyari are unaware of the bloodshed and lawlessness that now appears to rule Karachi’s old city area. – Photos by Agencies

Opinion

Editorial

Hasty transition
Updated 05 May, 2024

Hasty transition

Ostensibly, the aim is to exert greater control over social media and to gain more power to crack down on activists, dissidents and journalists.
One small step…
05 May, 2024

One small step…

THERE is some good news for the nation from the heavens above. On Friday, Pakistan managed to dispatch a lunar...
Not out of the woods
05 May, 2024

Not out of the woods

PAKISTAN’S economic vitals might be showing some signs of improvement, but the country is not yet out of danger....
Rigging claims
Updated 04 May, 2024

Rigging claims

The PTI’s allegations are not new; most elections in Pakistan have been controversial, and it is almost a given that results will be challenged by the losing side.
Gaza’s wasteland
04 May, 2024

Gaza’s wasteland

SINCE the start of hostilities on Oct 7, Israel has put in ceaseless efforts to depopulate Gaza, and make the Strip...
Housing scams
04 May, 2024

Housing scams

THE story of illegal housing schemes in Punjab is the story of greed, corruption and plunder. Major players in these...