The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed grave concern over the prevailing human rights violations in Karachi, aggravated by new problems cropping up in recent months. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Executive Council of the Commission said that it had been three years since the Rangers started operations in Karachi. There is no doubt that the incidents of target killing and extortion have decreased; however, cases of extrajudicial killing and torture continue to be reported. It is a matter of great dismay and concern that little has been done to investigate these cases systematically. The statement further read that the complaints of enforced disappearance in the city are on the rise, with many people targeted because of their political affiliation. Even the figures released by the officially constituted commission of enquiry into enforced disappearance indicate the extent of the problem in Karachi. The problem is not confined only to Karachi. In other parts of the country including Balochistan and northern areas, mainly FATA region, there have been numerous such complaints over the years. Wherever military or paramilitary operations have been conducted, there have always been complaints of human rights violations, be it enforced disappearances or lack of due process for the suspects. Lack of implementation of civilian laws and a due process has aggravated the situation in many cases. The nature of the operation in Karachi is different from those in the other parts of the country, though. While the operations in the other areas have been against militant struggles and terrorism, the operation in Karachi was initiated to curb the rising unrest in the city alleged to be perpetrated by militant wings of political parties. While the Rangers are justified in going after those, it should not have become an operation that looks like a political witch hunt, targeting a particular political party. A report of the UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearance has also cited complaints, especially of those believed to be associated with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement. Firstly, no arrest should be made on mere suspicion and without an order from a court. Secondly, even if some hardened criminals are arrested, the constitution of Pakistan outlines the due process, and all alleged suspects should have access to that process. The proper procedure of filing a First Information Report and other formalities should be followed before taking such people under detention. Furthermore, all suspects should be protected from torture, and no such techniques should be used that violate human rights. Suspects should be given the right to have a lawyer or if needed, a public defendant. In a democracy, the military is not the one to take the primary role of correcting everything that is wrong with the country. It is the writ of the civilian government and the law that should be upheld. In this day and age, human rights violations cannot be hidden from the world. It is the responsibility of both government as well as paramilitary forces to work according to the constitution, ensuring that no legal limit is breached in any case. *