Exports and manufacturing of marble have been badly affected by the increasing number of extortion and street crimes in the violence hit Qasba Colony, where at least 350 marble manufacturing factories are existing. The hundreds of industrial units of marble may shut anytime soon to avoid life treads given by the extortionists in case of non-payment of demanded amounts.
According to Sanaullah Khan, Chairman, All Pakistan Marble Mining, Processing and Export Industry, the country's export of marble which recorded around $55 million against the target of $100 million, is likely to face further decline in the present poor law and order situation in the Qasba Colony.
As the government has failed to give protection to the marble exporters who are already facing losses in view of the hours' long power breakdowns and criminal activities, the businessmen would prefer to save lives while keeping their factories closed. The factory owners in the city's volatile neighbourhood are receiving extortion slips and threats of dire consequences in case of non-payment. "The extortionists are freely distributing the slips demanding Rs 50000 to Rs 1 million from a factory owner" he said.
"Interestingly more demands and slips are received from the criminals once they are paid as per their demands" The industrial units in the area which remained closed for months due to the violence last year may again shut for indefinite periods until the issue is addressed by concerned authorities, including rangers and police.
Police does not arrest or take any action against those who are the main extortionists and their supporters but on the contrary innocents/general public is being victim of any move initiated by the law enforcing organisations. The closure of factories and business of this industry would not only make huge losses to the exporters but also cause huge decline in export of the valued goods thus reducing the over all exports of the country, he feared.
As the law enforcement agencies have failed to stop the criminal activities in the markets, the security control of the city, he suggested, should be given to the army while taking serious and unbiased action against the criminals. He appealed to Army Chief to tack the city in military control. He demanded of the government to ensure arrest of the culprits and award them an exemplary punishment. Besides the unfavourable situation in the city has badly affected the export of marble which has declined by 55 percent during the financial year 2011-2012.
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