Rehman Dakait

Friday, August 28, 2009By Xari JalilKarachiRehman Dakait may have been known as one of the most notorious criminals in Karachi, especially due to his connection in the notorious gang wars between Arshad Pappu and him, but today, many in Lyari support him to no end.A question that would rise in the minds of those who had never seen or met Dakait in their lives is that throughout his life, it was said that he only had people working for him at gun point from whom he also extorted money. If this was the case, then why would his death spark such an outcry among the people of Lyari? Law enforcement agencies and the media have always termed Dakait to be a hardened criminal, a cold-blooded murderer, drug lord and a kingpin, but the people of his neighbourhood, Rexar Lane, in Kalakot area, several people of Chakiwara and Baghdadi among other places in Lyari, still remember him as a man who was generous and kind hearted to everyone.“His father, Sardar Mohammad Dad Baloch, also known as ‘Dadal’, was a rich man, and started this trend of community services,” said Hussain Mohammad*, who knew him as a close friend. “In fact he was not a criminal.”But while many others admit that he may have cases of drugs, murder and police encounters against him, most dwellers of Lyari do not seem to care.“Most of our leaders and politicians are corrupt to the core and do not do anything for the masses,” said Hussain. “But at least if you call Rehman Dakait a criminal, taking into account the murders he committed because of family disputes, and his drug racketeering, at least he also helped people of Lyari like nobody else did.”While the reaction in Lyari after Dakait’s death has been one of somberness and solemnity, unlike the incensed anger after Benazir Bhutto’s death, people claim that this quietness has been maintained on purpose. However, in one of Rehman’s houses, where his first wife Farzana lives, the atmosphere is heavy with anger and hatred for specific people. Though the family has more or less accepted the shock of his death, his wife is boiling with rage, and curses SSP Chaudhry Aslam, who killed Rehman in a so-called ‘encounter’. In fact, she insisted that President Asif Ali Zardari had allowed this ‘murder’ to take place, and it was supported by Nabeel Gabol too.