The criminal elements have become very active during last three years and especially during 2010 and are harassing not only common man but even the business community and industrial establishments. The notorious gangs are operating openly and are demanding Bhatta (extortion money). The people, who refuse, are threatened with severe consequences.
Such threats in fact are seen happening more often. A recent case is the Shershah carnage in which a dozen small businessmen lost their lives for refusing to pay extortion money.
In addition, there are reports of such extortion cases in SITE area, Saddar Empress Market etc. What police of these areas is doing is known to everyone. Administration is silent and even those nominated in Shershah carnage are said to be at large. The industrial activities in SITE, the largest industrial hub of the country have been affected due to extortion threats and business in Saddar is equally disturbed.
Failure of law and order in general and its seriousness in particular is evident from hue and cry witnessed especially during the last three months of 2010 in the shape of statements emerging from local business leaders and appearing in newspapers.
While the Home Department/police keep claiming reduction in crime rate, this is nothing but an attempt to fool the masses.
The masses, feeling greatest pinch are also annoyed and have sometime taken law in their own hands - torturing and killing of dacoits when caught red-handed by the people is nothing but the outcome of frustration for ineffectiveness of police in curbing crimes.
The CPLC is actively pursuing cases of extortion and other crimes but they have limitations since affected people are afraid and are reluctant to come forward due to life threats. Unless police of the area act, there cannot be any control of crime. CPLC also needs to be strengthened and given more powers to address public grievances to control and curb crimes.
We appeal CM to intervene and take action against area police incharge for his failure to curb the lawlessness. SITE Association and all other business associations and bodies should come forward to help affected trade, business and industrial establishments and lodge protest with the relevant authorities as they have done during the last 3 months. The authorities should not temper but instead exert to control crime, which has increased during last three years.