An MQM-government deal on the areas escalated tensions between the two Mohajir factions. That triggered rioting and intervention by police in armored vehicles. Each Mohajir faction blamed the other and called labor strikes. The mainstream MQM is not likely to quit the government. But a prolonged face-off could discourage foreign investment in the nation's commercial capital.
Tensions are likely to persist on the sectarian front too.
The rise of the hardline Taliban movement in Afghanistan has not improved matters. In the Hangu firefight, the Taliban reportedly backed the Sunni from across the border. State-sponsored terrorism may be compounding the tensions. New Delhi leaders earlier blamed Pakistan for February bombings in the south Indian city of Coimbatore. Just how the Sharif government intends to tackle such problems is unclear.