Pakistan Chemicals and Dyes Merchant Association (PCDMA) Chairman Haroon Agar on Friday expressed concern over increasing theft and robbery incidents in the biggest wholesale market of the country - Jodia Bazar - and urged the authorities concerned to make foolproof security arrangements there.
In separate letters to Sindh Home Minister Zulfiqar Mirza, IG Police, CCPO, DIG South and DIG West, Agar said that beside increasing incidents of theft and robberies, shops and private offices located in the area are also receiving threatening calls and chits demanding huge amounts and threats of serious consequences in case one fails to fulfil these demands.
"They are threatening to kill or kidnap in case of failure to pay the required amount. These elements are also harassing businessmen and treating to harm their children," he added. He pointed out that supply of goods from Jodia Bazar, Site industrial area, Shershah and other places has come to a grinding halt owing to snatching of vehicles carrying goods from one area to the other. It has been observed that after lodging FIR, vehicles are recovered but the concerned police station adopts delaying tactics and takes 10 to 15 days to return the vehicle to its owner. It is ironic that the vehicles or goods remain stuck with the agencies till the completion of the court proceeding, he added.