Amid escalating street crimes and a sense of insecurity, small traders in Karachi are calling upon the army chief to take decisive measures to restore law and order, instill confidence in investors, traders, and industrialists, and rejuvenate Karachi’s business status. Atiq Mir, Chairman of All Karachi Trade Union, expressed deep concern over the surge in crime incidents, stating that the city, the commercial hub of the country, has been left vulnerable to criminal elements.
Mir highlighted the perceived helplessness of the government in tackling banditry and emphasized the need for robust action. He suggested that either the army should take control of the city, or additional powers should be granted to the police and rangers. The primary demand from traders is peace and the safeguarding of life and property.
Warning of potential consequences, Mir stated that if the business environment does not improve and traders are not provided with adequate security, the government’s tax revenues could be at risk. Street crimes have proliferated to the extent that people are being robbed at every street and intersection, leading to a halt in commercial activities. Carrying cash has become a risky task, and criminals seem to operate with impunity.
Mir asserted that traders are no longer safe in shops, markets, homes, or banks, compelling some to consider relocating from the city along with their capital. The lack of fear among criminals, even in the face of law enforcement agencies, indicates a dire situation. Mir pointed out that criminals often have the backing of powerful elements, making them audacious in their acts of robbery and violence.
In response to the deteriorating situation, Mir called for a government-led operation to confiscate illegal weapons in the city. Alternatively, he suggested making it easier for citizens and businessmen to obtain arm licenses for self-defense. Expressing regret over corruption within the police force and high-level officials, he urged the government to remove corrupt individuals from all departments. Mir emphasized the need to transform the police department into an independent institution, free from political influence, to ensure effective law enforcement.
