SA resolution demands action against extortionists, protection to traders

Karachi, In view of growing cases of extortion, killings and security threats to business community, the Sindh Assembly on Friday passed a resolution seeking strict measures against extortionists and provision of adequate security to traders.

The resolution said traders had warned of observing shutter-down
Strike, if action against criminals was not taken in next 72 hours.

Moved by Muttahidda Qaumi Movement lawmaker Amir Moin Pirzada, the resolution was supported by all legislatures, while many of them also sought reasons for the failure of law enforcement agencies in controlling crime, particularly extortion and targeted killings. The session was presided over by Deputy Speaker Syeda Shehla Raza.

While expressing his concern on Bhatta mafia , Pirzada said business community in Karachi, main contributor to country s GDP, was not given any protection. He said whereabouts of criminals were not concealed from the law enforcers; however, the reasons should be told for not taking any action against the identified criminals.

The resolution reads, Of late incidents of target killing, extortion (bhatta) and brutal murders of those who decline to pay bhatta have registered an unprecedented increase. Only yesterday (Thursday) a trader Abdul Hameed was shot dead near Memon Masjid, M.A Jinnah Road, by the extortionists. Such cold-blooded murders by terrorists including extortionists have compelled the business community to go on a shutter-down strike if the law enforcing agencies fail to provide adequate security and protection to the trades and take prompt action in next 72 hours.

This house resolves and recommends the government to take strict measures against the extortionists and terrorists and provide adequate security and protection to the business community in the larger interest of peaceful citizens of Sindh.

MPA Tahir Qureshi said concrete steps should be taken against criminals who are harassing and targeting innocent citizens. He said network of criminals was stronger as they even know what is happening in the Sindh Assembly.

Legislature Shoaib Ibrahim said around 24 traders had been abducted in last 12 days from just areas in vicinity of M A Jinnah Road. Police must take measures to stop such incidents.

ANP lawmaker Amanullah Mehsud said along with killings of other political party workers, many ANP activists had also been gunned down in recent days. He asked what police and rangers are doing in check these criminal activities. Target killers are released on bail within two months from courts, how this process would stop, he asked.

Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) Legislature Nusrat Saher Abbassi said targeted killings are increasing with every passing day. She said passing resolutions won t solve the problem until these resolutions are implemented in real terms.

Syed Sardar Ahmed of MQM said business activities would come to a halt if the criminals were not stopped. Sindh generates 62% revenue for the country, and any damage to the province will affect the whole country, he added.

Law Minister Muhammad Ayaz Soomro said since the PPP-led government has come in power the incidents of extortion and targeted killings have increased, which is a conspiracy against democracy.

He said Chief Minister Sindh has already warned police officers to leave their chairs if they couldn t deliver. He vowed that soon the government would expose the criminals.

The house passed another resolution, moved by MPA Arif Mustafa Jatoi, paying the rich tributes to brave soldiers of Pakistan Army died when an avalanche fell on their camp in mountainous Gayari sector, Siachen, in April. The resolution recommended the federal government to convey sympathy and grief of Sindh Assembly members to the bereaved families.

Ayaz Soomro, Shazia Marri, Rasheeda Phanwar, Farheen Mughal, Humaira Alwani, Bilquees Mukhtar, Shoaib Bukhari and Lal Chand were amongst those spoke and paid rich tributes to the martyred soldiers.

Law Minister also moved two government bills The Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Sakrand Bill, 2012 and The Lyari and Malir Development Authorities (Revival and Amending) Bill, 2012. The bill pertained to Lyari and Malir Development Authorities (2009) moved on Thursday was withdrawn through a motion moved by the Law Minister.

The session was adjourned till Monday, 4pm.