A large number of traders on Thursday staged a protest demonstration at M A Jinnah Road to express resentments against the extortionist mafias of Karachi. The traders of Tyre Market, Orangzaib Market, Akbar Market and Jamia Cloth Market closed their shops and took part in the protest march from M A Jinnah Road to Boltan Market.
They took to streets to express their growing disenchantment against the extortionists and law enforcement agencies. They said the law enforcement agencies have not only failed to provide proper security to the traders so far but they also appeared toothless to avert such incidents.
The traders said that they are regularly receiving threats to pay extortion money or face consequences. "Despite several complaints with police and other concerned departments, the government has failed to provide security to the shopkeepers," they regretted. The protesters chanted slogans against lawlessness, extortion threats. They blocked the Main MA Jinnah Road by burning tyres. The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has also given strike call on April 5, 2011 in this connection. Meanwhile, the Police and administration officials rushed to the protesting spot and started negotiations with the protestors.
When contacted SP Qamar Raza Jasqani said the police have assured the traders to provide complete security by establishing check-posts across all trading units of Saddar area. He said the authority concerned in this regard is striving to evolve comprehensive strategy to deal extortionists with iron hand. Later, the protesting traders after the security assurance given by the concerned authority dispersed peacefully.
Comments
Comments are closed for this article.