IT is ironic that on the day the army chief was in Karachi to review progress on the law-enforcement operation, an assistant professor was killed on the violence-prone streets of the unfortunate metropolis.

Dr Syed Waheed-ur-Rehman, who taught at Karachi University and was also a journalist, was gunned down by armed motorcyclists on Wednesday while he was apparently on his way to the varsity.

Also read: Gen Raheel vows to end reign of 'mafias' in Karachi

While the army chief appeared to be mostly pleased with the results of the operation thus far — and it is true that levels of violence and bloodshed have been down in Karachi over the past few months — it would be premature to declare an end to the mission at this point, especially if the resurgence of violence over the past two weeks is anything to go by.

Two weeks ago, American academic Debra Lobo was attacked reportedly by religious militants but luckily survived the ambush, while police official Aijaz Khawaja was killed in a targeted attack.

Last Friday saw the slaying of activist Sabeen Mahmud while Dr Rehman’s murder is the latest in this grim series. The city police chief has said Dr Rehman’s killing may be linked to that of Dr Shakeel Auj, who was gunned down in the city last year.

The academic’s slaying on Wednesday brings to five the total number of university teachers killed in the metropolis in two years.

The authorities in Sindh, particularly Karachi, must ensure that action against violent elements has long-lasting effects and offers more than just a temporary respite from bloodshed.

Yet it is surprising that in such a critical meeting on law and order held on Wednesday, Sindh’s elected civilian leadership — particularly the chief minister — was not invited.

This is the second time the military has kept the provincial leadership out of the loop where law and order is concerned. This is unacceptable as with an elected government in place, keeping the highest civilian official in the province away from the discussion on countering violence sends the wrong message.

Sindh’s leadership must also share the blame for quietly stepping aside and not asserting its mandate. Whatever its shortcomings, the provincial government has a central role in maintaining law and order and must be strengthened, not bypassed.

The security establishment must understand this and realise that in Karachi’s complex urban environment, without the input of the police and the civilian political set-up long-term peace is not possible.

Published in Dawn, May 1st, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play