Karachi: Traders have termed the following year 2013 in terms of extortion activities. Complains pertaining to extortion escalated from 650 to 1300. But still, law enforcement agencies, government and administrations failed to provide security to the traders.
Sindh Tajir Ittehad Chairman Jameel Ahmed Paracha said that during the year 18 strikes were observed. The restlessness caused loss to billions of Rs. Private and public sector organizations remained closed for 86 days in total. To create violence, markets were forcefully shut down.
In wake of Chelum, target killings and mourning days, the market life remained paralyzed.
On the following dates, market centers remained closed:
- 14th January
- 16th February
- 3rd January
- 8th February
- 18th and 19th February
- 4th March
- 20 and 30th March
- 24- 26th April
- 6th June
- 22nd June
- 25th June
- 22nd August
- 4th and 19th September
According to the traders, no strikes have been observed after police and rangers operation. However, many of the traders had also expressed dissatisfaction. The Tajir Ittehad Chairman said that despite the operations against the extortionists, “extortion” is still high. Now, traders’ homes are also targeted for the purpose.
For the year 2014, traders association has asked the authorities to give representation to the traders while carrying out clean up operation against the extortionists.
