KARACHI - Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s President Muhammad Haroon Agar expressing deep concern over deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi has demanded immediate sustainable and concrete safety and security measures ensuring effective implementation and delivering visible results to provide safety and security to the business and industrial community as well as Karachiites.
Addressing Inspector General of Police (Sindh) Shahid Nadeem Baloch along with his team during their visit to KCCI, Haroon Agar stated lamented lawlessness in the markets of Karachi, particularly, in the old city area, Jodia Bazar, Cloth market and other markets at M. A. Jinnah Road was increasing and several precious lives of businessmen were lost in bloodshed.
The criminal activities viz. Extortion (bhatta), kidnapping and killing for ransom, decoities etc. in the markets and industrial areas are rampant causing widespread fear and harassment, he added. He voiced the recurring and unbridled criminal activities and killings of businessmen had shaken the confidence of the business and industrial community on the law enforcing agencies.
Inspector General of Police (Sindh) Shahid Nadeem Baloch announced formation of committees for seven industrial zones whereby appointed focal persons may immediately respond to typical urgent requirement like life threats, security of goods transported through vehicles etc. He was of the view that resources cannot come overnight, however, he will make arrangements to ensure required deployment.
He stated the he can’t deny some commitment in respect to safety and security of the business community might not be honoured in the past. He stated that the Police had its own problems. The Police model was based on the law made in the Colonial Rule in 1861 and the business and industrial community never raised voice for police reforms like availability of resources and technology.
He stated that it was a bitter reality that Police also had some dishonest elements but their number is low, however, the integrity of entire department must not be questioned as a large number of Police officials have been martyred in line of action to protect the citizens who also had their families to support.
He was of the view that there was lack of coordination between Police and CPLC in respect of the installation of CCTV cameras across Karachi. He apprised that special departments SIU, exportation cell etc. were established to facilitate the citizens. He said that he was well aware about the dynamic of Karachi as he had served in four districts and assured his team will do best possible efforts to maintain law and order.