Traders of the Shershah scrap market on Sunday announced a strike for an indefinite period until the deployment of the paramilitary force in Asia’s largest scrap market after the market’s biggest cable trader Karachi Cable’s owner Khalid was kidnapped by unidentified culprits two days ago.
This demand was made to Rangers Sindh director general by the Anjuman Tahaffuz-e-Kabariyan (ATK).
An ATK leader told Pakistan Today that Khalid was kidnapped in a rescue service ambulance, and the incident has led to distress among other traders.
“In a meeting, the ATK decided to boycott all trading activities from Monday (today) until deployment of the Rangers is ensured,” he said.
The Rangers had established pickets and started patrolling the market after the Kabari Market carnage, but the paramilitary force was later deployed to other troubled areas of the city.
ATK leaders said following the removal of Rangers from the market, the criminals have started targeting the Shershah market’s traders again. “We demand that the Rangers be deployed in the market again for the security of over 4,000 shop owners,” said one concerned marketer.
To a question, he said an ATK delegation has also met with Sindh Inspector General of Police Wajid Durrani, who has promised to visit the market in a few days to review the situation.
All Karachi Tajir Ittehad Chairman Ateeq Mir said a particular group is continuously targeting the scrap market traders, and the government should address this issue. “The Shershah scrap market is one of the biggest markets of the city, and attempts are being made to destroy it as per a planned scheme,” he added.
Besides demanding a Rangers operation in the market, Mir expressed fear that such criminals would occupy the city if the government fails to initiate action against them.
