All set for traders shutterdown strike against extortionists in Karachi

KARACHI: Business community in the financial hub of Pakistan would observe complete shutterdown strike today (Saturday) against the scourge of extortionism, Geo News reported.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and other political/social groups have vowed full solidarity with the extortion-stricken traders to make this strike a “strong joint warning” to the elements trying to jeopardize business activities in the city.

Following the call, the signature pre-strike-day activities started on the night between Friday and Saturday.

According to eyewitnesses, ‘activists’ made sure certain “late-night markets” and petrol pumps were closed across the city.

Moreover, the traffic on the roads was also thinner than usual as fuel was nowhere to be found in parts of metropolis.

Matriculation examinations set for Saturday have also been postponed. A new schedule for the same would be announced later.

Earlier, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) lawmakers protested inside Sindh Assembly while a large number of its workers outside the House against extortion and Parchi Mafia.

The MQM legislators chanted slogans against extortion inside the provincial assembly in front of the desk of Speaker.

Deputy Speaker Shahla Raza presided over the session, which was later adjourned till Monday, 10 am. The speaker held MQM's attitude responsible for the adjournment.

MQM MPAs were holding placards inscribed with slogans against extortion and asking Sindh Chief Minister to take notice of the situation.

Earlier, a joint emergent meeting of MQM Coordination Committee Pakistan and London chapters decided to protest against extortionist mafia in and outside Sindh Assembly on Friday.

Sources privy to the minutes of the meeting said that MQM leaders, in the strongest of words warned unruly feudal lords under whose aegis the extortionists were thriving.

They said MQM believed in peaceful co-existence, which they said should not be mistaken for cowardice.

The leadership also said that they were only held back by their Quaid Altaf Hussian, who has always preached peace otherwise those feudal lords would have had it.

Claiming that most of the oppressed population of Sindh as well as journalists and students were on their side, the party leadership urged Altaf Hussian to let them give those overlords a taste of their own medicine.