KARACHI – Extortionists and land grabbers responsible for the prevailing unrest in Karachi that has adversely affected industrial growth in the province, provincial Commerce and Industries Minister Rauf Siddiqui said on Tuesday. “However, extortionists, land grabbers and the other criminals could be taken to task by using modern technology and developing close liaison between each institute,” he said while speaking at a business community reception held at the SITE Association office. Siddiqui said that the country’s economy is in dire straits and the worsening law and order situation has badly affected the inflow of foreign investment.
“Criminals need to be dealt with strictly, not politically,” he added. He said that crime in Karachi could not be controlled by increasing the number of policemen alone and a comprehensive plan is needed to bring an end to muggings, robberies and kidnappings fro ransom. Siddiqui later presented a cash reward of Rs 50,000 to the police team that foiled an attempt to kidnap a banker. Renowned businessman Siraj Qasim Teli, Karachi Capital City Police Officer Saud Mirza and SITE Association Chairman Abdul Wahab Lakhani also spoke on the occasion.
