Hi
Although I belong to so called Mohajir, must admit I am one of MQM hater, but try to be as reasonable as could be for this debate.
Karachi ties are become hostage between 3 mafias MQM/ ANP /Liyari Aman Committee which has full support of ruling PPP.
In the current situation Liyari Aman committee/ PPP is main culprit, 2nd by ANP and MQM is no innocent but they are more or less reacting the situation (I am not condoning killing by MQM).
The problem brewing from some time, as Liyari was always PPP stronghold, and also notoriously crime hub of Karachi. Traditionally criminals from that area were content to rule their own turf.
On other hand systematic expansion of Pashtoon population on the out strike of Karachi (in fact Karachi has be totally en circulated and most entry or exist routs from Karachi is control by Pashtoon (most new arrivals from KPK).
As most of Karachi is controlled by MQM, now PPP and any ANP started trying to squeeze MQM space to expend their own political clouts, that lead to MQM retaliate are starting of this bloody civil war.
Traditionally MQM has monopoly on all Bhattas from Karachi, but to be honest mostly MQM collect Bhattas or Chandas from sympathetic shop keeper and they are not so crud or violent on this (at least I didn’t experience myself), MQM tactic is mostly using indirect intimidation then open violence (for example a guy with AK47 Kalashnikov would approach you for donation (as seeing armed guy asking for something 90% would oblige him, although there were no threat anyone with violence).
Since Liyari is close proximity of central business areas of Karachi (i.e sadder, Kharadar, Jodia Bazar) even Shareshah (a Kabadi Bazar where whole market traders were gunned down by Liyari gangs). Now PPP gangs namely Liyari Aman Committee also trying to extort monies. That lead to direct conflict with MQM core areas and its support network.
Although MQM goons could be as brutal as one could imagine but, gangs from Liyari with active support of PPP are far more brutal and operating with impunity.
ANP more or less confine to so called Pashtoon suburbs which does not have impact of assembly seats, but atheir main interest is abolishment local body system as, any further elections in old commissioneriate system means they would be able to grab few more seats in Karachi at expense of MQM, which not expected to MQM and leading another bloody war between MQM and ANP (all groups be ANP/MQM/PPP like to show their muscles by killing innocent peoples).
Since the current government is also a party (indirectly) to this confilict and also spend on political support of MQM/ANP they are not serious to take any meaningful action against those groups.
The only change (which might be positive) I believe in recent round of violence MQM lost heavily thus not only suing for peace, but for the first time willing accept deweaponization of Karachi.
One need to understand MQM is a legitimate political force in Karachi, as long as they willing to shun violence and participate in normal politics it would be good for them and country.