APROPOS the editorial ‘Plea for amnesty’ (March 6). The Chairman Pak Sarzameen Party, Mustafa Kamal, was only demanding fair play when he asked for the same amnesty offered elsewhere in the country to militants if they lay down their arms.

Amnesty is offered to militants in Balochistan, the Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who surrender and rejoin the mainstream. Then why a different set of rules for Karachi?

The city is at the receiving end of an operation to restore law and order by the authorities since 2013. Hundreds of MQM supporters are in prison and an equal number are missing. This has led to unrest and frustration among the affected families. This state of affairs cannot continue for an indefinite period.

Yes, peace has returned through administrative measures but what about the political vacuum?

Only political forces that participate in a democratic dialogue can guarantee long-term peace, development, stability and progress. Hence the amnesty appeal lodged with the army chief. However, the federal and provincial governments also need to be on board.

We are ready to give solemnly affirmed affidavits for everyone who meets the authorities’ amnesty criteria, and hope this criteria is proof that we are committed towards a lasting peace in Karachi.

Raza Haroon

Secretary General PSP

Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 10th, 2018