The Supreme Court’s (SC’s) suo motu notice of the violence in Karachi is a positive development in the attempts to improve the situation in the metropolis. The SC is empowered to give directions to the government and the law enforcement agencies to nab the culprits without fear or favour. People are attaching high hopes with the SC that it will come up with a plan of action that will identify and unveil the real culprits, help quell the violence, and restore law and order in the city. Meanwhile, the government has started a targeted operation, implementing its decision of dealing with the criminals with an iron hand. So far, the police and the Rangers in 82 joint raids have rounded up 72 alleged criminals from nine identified areas on the basis of the information provided by the intelligence agencies. However, the law enforcement agencies had to retreat on facing resistance in Lyari when the residents, including children, women and men led by the chairman of the defunct People’s Aman Committee, came out of their houses and protested against the operation. Nevertheless, five suspects have been arrested from Lyari, the stronghold of the PPP. The government’s decision to give complete authority to the civil security agencies to reinstate rule of law in the city instead of giving in to the demand for army deployment seems the wisest course. Unfortunately, such demands came from people who have no patience for or faith in democracy. Different circles, including the MQM, the ANP and the Sunni Tehreek, had demanded a military action in the city, irrespective of the fact that they are part of the present democratic set-up. Likewise, in an attempt to give a solution to Karachi’s conundrum, PTI chief Imran Khan proposed imposition of Governor’s Rule in the city, which speaks of an anti-democratic, autocratic mindset. However, amidst the growing chorus for army action, the PML-N remained clear on the issue. Opposition leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan opposed the army’s intervention and termed it harmful and a potential quagmire for the institution in the long run. Arguing that there were political and administrative reasons for the Karachi situation, he insisted on holding a debate in parliament on the subject. Since the surgical operation started, the death toll has significantly declined. The newfound energy of the civil law enforcing agencies is welcome and it is expected that it will also quell the anti-democratic forces by effective performance. However, there is a need to maintain impartiality in the whole course of the action. There are valid reasons for people’s scepticism in this regard. They might think of this operation as focused against their respective communities. The resistance of Lyari residents manifests lack of trust in the operation’s neutrality. No doubt, there will be resentment initially but it would subside gradually after the government operation is seen as non-partisan, even-handed, and being conducted without discrimination against the criminals belonging to all shades and colours. There are drug, land and money extortion mafias active in the city. Turf wars and gun battles among criminal gangs, ethnic and religious outfits have wreaked havoc in the city. They have established no go areas across the city under political patronage. Business activities have come to a screeching halt in the port city, home to the country’s largest stock exchange and the bulk of industry and commerce. It is hoped that after the targeted operation, life will be revived in the city of lights once again. However, a huge responsibility falls on the shoulders of the government in carrying out this action. Any flexibility against any criminal group will sabotage the whole effort.*