Small Traders seek KCCI’s assistance in dealing with rising extortion activities

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More than 50 representatives from different markets of Karachi, while expressing deep concerns over recurrence of Bhatta Mafia, upsurge in dacoities and lock-breaking incidents, sought Karachi Chamber’s assistance so that Law Enforcing Agencies, particularly Pakistan Rangers Sindh, could be urged to strictly deal with the situation on top priority basis. Exchanging views with Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) & Former President KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli and Acting President Abdul Basit Abdul Razzak during their visit to Karachi Chamber, Small Traders and Shopkeepers informed that some shopkeepers have recently been detained by Rangers on charge of acting as ‘facilitators’ which was not factual in many cases and it was a matter of grave concern that their distressed families are completely unaware about the whereabouts of such detainees. There is a dire need to define the exact definition of Facilitator so that shopkeepers and small traders could be very careful in their daily business dealings and immediately get in touch with LEAs in case they find anything wrong, they added.

Representatives belonging to Saddar Alliance of Markets Association, All Karachi Anjuman-e-Tajiran, Anjuman-e-Tajiran Bolton Market, Old City Alliance Markets Association, Karachi Dari & Bed Sheet Merchant, All Bidi Manufacturers Association, Mithadar Merchant Association, All Pakistan Small Traders & Cottage Industry, Machhi Miyani Market Association, Pak Alliance of Market Association, All Sindh Sarafa & Jewelers Association, Shershah Kabari Market, Iron & Steel Merchant Association, All City Tajir Ittehad, Hussainabad Traders Association, Madina City Mall, Kaghzi Bazaar Association and Bhora Pir Paint Association were led by Chairman of KCCI’s Special Committee for Small Traders Majeed Memon at the meeting.

Small Traders and Shopkeepers pointed out that the situation in almost all the markets of the city, particularly the Old City Areas, continues to worsen day by day where shopkeepers have been constantly receiving extortion chits hence, the Karachi Chamber, being the actual representative of entire business and industrial community, must come forward and provide a helping hand to tense shopkeepers and small traders.

After listening to the grievances being faced by shopkeepers, Chairman BMG & Former President KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli assured full support and cooperation in effectively dealing with the rising activities of extortionists.

He said that the Director General Pakistan Rangers Sindh Maj. Gen. Muhammad Saeed will be approached by Karachi Chamber so that the issues being faced by small traders could be extensively discussed and a secure business environment could be ensured in every nook and corner of Karachi city. He said that the robbery incidents were widely being reported from different parts of the city and an upsurge in these activities has been witnessed particularly during the last couple of days. Robberies were frequently taking place at the houses situated near Makki Masjid in the vicinity of Adamjeenagar in broad daylight that requires special attention and stringent measures from Law Enforcing Agencies.  

Keeping in view the strenuous efforts made by Rangers towards restoring peace in Karachi to a certain extent, Chairman BMG was fairly optimistic that they will be able to strictly deal with these extortionists as well who are once again making attempts to resurface again.

He advised Small Traders to give nominations for a committee so that the extortion related cases could be taken up with LEAs from KCCI’s platform. For the proposed Committee, Siraj Teli nominated three representatives of Karachi Chamber including Acting President Abdul Basit Abdul Razzak, Chairman Special Committee for Small Traders Majid Memon and Chairman KCCI’s Sub-Committee for Law & Order Mansoor Ahmed.

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