KARACHI: Seven town associations of Trade and Industry on Monday demanded extension in policing powers of Pakistan Rangers without any delay.
The delay would give time to Terrorists to regroup, reorganize and strike causing a tragedy like Army Public School (APS) Peshawar. This was said by representatives of all the seven associations including, SITE, SITE Super Highway, Korangi, Federal B Area, Bin Qasim and North Karachi Trade and Industry Associations at Karachi Press Club.
We are a-political and non partisan but cannot remain silent. The issues are vital to the security, peace and business environment of Karachi city, said president SITE Association of Industry. If the time was wasted, tragedy like APS could be repeated; he said appealing to the Chief Minister Sindh to solve the issue on priority basis. Zain Bashir of Landhi Association of Trade and Industry said prior to conferring of policing powers to Pakistan Rangers, kidnapping for ransom, extortion, mugging, snatching and other street crimes were the order of the day that cause brain drain but after Karachi operation, industrialists have started feeling security. City cannot move on without rangers, he said.
Mian Muhammad Ahmed of Bin Qasim Trade and Industry said that Karachi needs peace and if the the work started by Rangers was stopped midway it would prove disastrous for the city and its people. The operation should move on as it is today, he said adding that if people looses the confidence this time it would never be the same again.
Javed Noorani of SITE Superhighway Trade and Industry Association said 50 per cent exports are made from Karachi and it generates 54 per cent of the revenue of the country. If a sick Karachi can cater to half of the national economy, think of a vibrant Karachi. #0 years back the boundary walls of houses were only 4 feet high with no concept of security guards but now we live in walled compartments as against Lahore where people have entrance doors made of glass. Rangers should not be removed until 100 per cent results are secured.
Muhammad Abdullah Abid of Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industry said Karachi is like a patient in Operation Theater with operation half way and if left in such a situation, the results are imaginable. Two years back industrialists and businessmen were fleeing Karachi and criminals were flocking but situation has changed after the operation which needs to be carried forward with more zeal.
Rashid Ahmed Siddiqui of KATI demanded unconditional and unfettered powers for Pakistan Rangers,
Syed Irtiza Ali of North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry and President Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) also addressed the joint press conference and said personal egos and personal interest must not prevail common interest and common national goals.
After the press conference, a brief protest demonstration was also held in which, industrialist of the city demanded extra ordinary powers to Pakistan rangers in the larger interest of city and the country.
To a question they said that if government fails in paying heed to their demand, all options and avenues to protest would be used to force the government to save the city.