WARNINGS issued recently by the Karachi police are being viewed with cynicism. Empty threats, by the highest authorities, of “we will get them in 48 hours” only add insult to injury.

The police and Rangers in Karachi have failed to protect the lives and property of the citizens. They conveniently block roads for cars, buses and ambulances to provide security to politicians at private functions while bombs go off in the city.

How much blood will be spilt before something is done? The list of crimes being committed is increasing -- targeted and sectarian killings, extortion, land grabbing, bombings of shrines and mosques, bank heists, kidnapping for ransom -- not one, not a single one of the culprits has been indicted.

Our children are not safe and nothing is being done.

Cracking down upon law-breakers can only strengthen true democrats.

A week’s curfew in Karachi after sealing road and train exits and a complete flushing out of all criminals is not a high price to pay. After all, shutterdown strikes close the city down more frequently and often.

How long shall we wait? Please realise that in order to save the country we must first have a country to save.

M.I. SAYEED Karachi