KARACHI: As Pakistani traders and shopkeepers have reiterated their demand for extraordinary steps to restore peace in the city, including handing over of the city to the army, industrialists have offered mixed views.
The business community is purebred over rising cases of killings, extortion, kidnappings for ransom and street crimes.
Many businessmen have either moved upcountry or shifted abroad.
Others have expanded their businesses on foreign soils, rather than in Karachi.
Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Mohammad Haroon Agar and FB Area Association of Trade and Industry Chairman Haroon Shamsi said they need peace, whether the government seeks army’s help or civilian government itself or governor’s rule is imposed.
Korangi Association of Trade and Industry Chairman Zubair Chahya said that industrialists are in panic as obnoxious and life-threatening calls seeking huge money are being received by them.
He favoured army’s takeover as per the constitution, and said that businessmen are gradually closing down operations or moving to other cities.
Site Association of Industry Chairman Dr Arshad Vohra said there was no need for army’s takeover or governor’s rule when new elections are round the corner.
Internews
