Operation Lyari was a major crackdown by the Pakistan government aimed at tackling local gangs and crime syndicates in Karachi’s Lyari neighborhood. The operation began on April 24, 2012, and resumed on September 7, 2013, continuing to the present day. The initial phase in 2012 saw significant challenges as the Sindh Police struggled to make progress, leading to the Sindh Rangers taking a more prominent role. During this time, many gang leaders, including Uzair Jan Baloch, were either arrested or killed, resulting in an 80% drop in crime rates in Lyari. However, the operation faced obstacles and was temporarily suspended due to political interference.
The background of the conflict in Lyari involves a complex mix of ethnic, sectarian, and political factors. Karachi’s diverse population has led to frequent violence, with various ethnic and political groups clashing over power and influence. The Lyari area, historically a stronghold of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), was controlled by gangs that were initially tolerated by the PPP for political reasons. After the killing of gangster Rehman Dakait in 2009, his successor Uzair Jan Baloch took over and continued the gang’s activities until the government decided to act.
The operation resumed in 2013 under the new government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, with support from the PPP-led provincial government. This phase saw over a thousand suspects arrested, with the Interior Minister declaring it a success. Notably, Noor Muhammad, alias Baba Ladla, a notorious gang leader, was killed during this period, marking a significant development in the crackdown.