Bhatta (extortion) extortion in Karachi

[pak-marine]

Extortion in Karachi: MQM threatens boycott as govt not serious about crisis


By Our Correspondent

Published: March 16, 2012

15 complaints lodged at cell in four days but traders say no action taken yet.

ISLAMABAD / KARACHI:
Karachi is fed up of being held for ransom to extortionists. Matters came to a head on Thursday with the government’s key coalition partner threatening to boycott the president’s Saturday address to parliament. Businessmen are so fed up of the inefficiency of the police and Sindh government that they have begged the head of an intelligence agency to step in.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) made itself heard loud and clear with its legislator Haider Abbas Rizvi saying that they would boycott the president’s address if something is not done. President Asif Ali Zardari is scheduled to address the joint session at the beginning of the new parliamentary year.
The MQM’s announcement came hours after the Sindh police chief, Mushtaq Shah, dismissed the uproar over street crime and extortion, saying that it was not out of the ordinary for a big city like Karachi. His offer to traders to post 800 more policemen in badly hit areas was met with little faith.

The MQM retorted that Karachi was the country’s economic bloodline – out of every Rs100 made, Karachi contributes Rs70. MQM’s Haider Abbas Rizvi spoke of the extent of the damage being done as businessmen are taking their business abroad. “They are receiving death threats and threats that their children will be abducted,” Rizvi said. “It seems [like] it is all by design and planned – as if the police in the areas where such incidents are rampant are deployed on the will of the extortionists.” He specifically mentioned Karachi’s biggest flea market in Sher Shah where he said that more than 6,000 shops are stripped of Rs600, 000 every day.

Rizvi was candid that his party may not attend the joint session until the PPP hems in extortion and street crime in Karachi, the country’s industrial hub. “Although we are a part of the coalition government, we cannot forget the support that the people of Karachi have given us by voting for us all these years,” he said outside later on. “We will raise our voice for their protection and also call for a peaceful protest.”

Until the government controls the security situation in Karachi, the party will stage a walk-out every day. For starters, the MQM legislators staged a walkout on Thursday that lasted an hour and 10 minutes. Rizvi said that even though Interior Minister Rehman Malik had announced that they had set up check posts, the situation was just getting worse. Rizvi added that if extortion and target killing were not reduced, his party might boycott the upcoming joint parliamentary session as well.
It is a measure of the complete lack of faith in the police and Sindh government that businessmen went to the chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lt-Gen Zaheerul Islam, to complain about extortion and threats. In fact, they asked him this week to set up a cell at the intelligence agency’s Karachi office where the government plans to install a locator.

Sources said that the newly appointed DG, who was the corps commander of Karachi during its blood summer of 2011, assured the delegation they would completely support the police and Rangers.
Mian Zahid Hussain of the All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Zafar Iqbal of DHA Residents Society and Mehtabuddin Chawla were part of the delegation.

Zahid told The Express Tribune that they reminded the DG of orders issued by the Chief of Army Staff regarding a cell against extortion. “We held a meeting with General Kayani in September and he assured us that a cell would be set up at the ISI office if government installs a mobile phone locator,” he said.

Zahid said that all federal ministers, including Asim Hussain, Rehman Malik and the governor had promised this would happen. The mobile phone tracker costs Rs50 million. But he said that the business community pays around two billion rupees in taxes every day and the government was not doing anything to keep it safe.
Extortion cell

Earlier, angry traders met Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mushtaq Shah in Karachi as these developments unfolded in the capital. He told them that he had added 800 more policemen to the force in a bid to control extortion and street crime.

But they did not seem to be convinced. Karachi’s marble association announced it was going on strike for an unspecified time from Saturday over extortion. Marble Exporter Association’s Sanaullah Khan who met the IGP told The Express Tribune said that marble traders do not trust the police. “They are not worried one bit about us,” he said. “We were not satisfied by their promises. We’ll take back the call for a strike only if things change by Saturday.”

The anti-extortion cell has received 15 complaints since it was set up. Anti Extortion Cell (AEC) chief DSP Wasif Qureshi told The Express Tribune that the cell received complaints in four days from different markets or associations. “It has just been four days since we got to work,” he said. “I hope that now those who have not stepped forward will come to us.”

It did not help that the IG played down street crime. There is no significant difference between old and new crime data, he said at the Garden police headquarters after attending the funeral for a constable who was killed in a shoot-out with robbers on Burnes Road early Thursday. He said the police’s arrests were proof of its performance.

SITE Association chairman Mohammad Irfan Moton flatly disagreed. He told The Express Tribune that there had been no progress in the police’s performance in the area with 3,500 factories. “Each day thousands of people risk their lives and come to work here and risk their lives going back,” he said. “But instead of things getting better they just keep getting worse.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 16th, 2012.

Call between leaders: MQM calls off Zardari's parliamentary address boycott

 

[pak-marine]

Zardari directs Malik to remove MQM’s reservations

DAWN.COM |


President Asif Ali Zardari. - File Photo.
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday has taken notice of Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) complaints of extortion and poor law and order situation in Karachi, DawnNews reported.

Spokesperson to the President Senator Farhatullah Babar said the president directed the Sindh government and Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik to take strict action against the criminal elements.

The president also directed the interior minister to proceed to Karachi and coordinate with the provincial government in redressing the grievances of the public and traders, in particular against extortion.

The MQM chief Altaf Hussain had also brought to the attention of the president the complaints of extortion in Karachi, the Spokesperson said.

The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) respects its coalition partners and will redress the concerns of the ally, the Spokesperson quoted the president as saying.

Earlier in the day, members of the MQM and traders of Karachi protested against incidents of extortion, announcing the observance of a “Black Day” protest on Saturday.

The MQM also staged a walk out from the Sindh Assembly session.

Speaking to the media representatives during the protest, MQM leaders Waseem Akhtar and Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi said the only person who could address and solve this issue is President Zardari.

Another party leader, Faisal Sabzwari, said that if extortion related activities were not put to a halt then MQM might consider boycotting the joint session of both the House of the Parliament on March 17 to be addressed by the president.

 

[Respect4Respect01]

all political parties are involved in extortion, we cant really do much until we have some good leadership.

 

[darkinsky]

by a well planned mission these other parties are targetting karachi so that province of punjab gets the most investment, and karachi loses its status being the financial hub of country

 

[pak-marine]

Extortion and street crime: MQM puts the squeeze on govt with street muscle


By Hafeez Tunio
Published: March 17, 2012

The MQM MPAs threatened staff for not turning on their microphones, tore up printed copies of the agenda and bent the microphones of lawmakers. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN/EXPRESS
KARACHI:
The curse of the Ides of March came a day late for the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), as its coalition partner, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), put on a show of its street power inside the Sindh Assembly.
The hall turned into a veritable political rally. For the first time in four years, the house could not take up its agenda. Nineteen microphones fell victim to the fracas which involved arguments between PPP ministers and MQM representatives, including Nadir Magsi.
After attempts to restore a semblance of order failed, acting Speaker Shehla Raza adjourned the session until Monday, citing the “unruly” attitude of MQM members.
There were scenes to behold. The MQM MPAs, who were protesting against the rise of extortion threats in Karachi, threatened staff for not turning on their microphones, tore up printed copies of the agenda and bent the microphones of lawmakers who had been directed to begin Fateha prayers.
At around 11 am, the MQM MPAs entered the hall and began chanting slogans and held up placards. As the PPP watched, MQM MPAs began thumping their desks and stood on their seats.
MQM’s Raza Haroon said that extortionists had made the lives of the business community miserable in Karachi and they would not tolerate it any longer. “Despite our complaints, some elements are supporting these criminals, giving them a free hand to loot and plunder Karachi’ites,” he said. “We want to tell these criminals who have full backing of jagirdars (feudal lords) that this is Karachi, a city of Altaf bhai,” he added, referring to the MQM’s chief.
“We do not want to divide Sindh. But please do not create conspiracies and consider us third-class citizens. If it continues, the people of Karachi and Altaf bhai will be forced to make a decision.”
In their excitement, one MPA placed a placard on acting Speaker Shehla Raza’s chair but removed it, while Religious Affairs Minister Abdul Haseeb’s frenzied shouting almost caused him to faint.
The MQM demanded Raza take up their points of order but she wanted the Fateha to end first. When she asked PPP MPA Munawar Ali Abbasi to speak, a few MPAs, including Abdul Moeed of the MQM, bent his microphone and asked the staff to turn on theirs. They refused, and later told the media that they had been threatened.
Raza gave up on the prayers and asked Arif Mustafa Jatoi to ask questions but he couldn’t be heard amid the deafening chants. Some protesting MPAs tried to use his microphone and bent it when Jatoi refused.
Raza tried to appeal to MQM parliamentary leader Sardar Ahmed but his silence and the MQM’s refusal to back down led her to end the session for Monday,
While several MPAs filed out, the MQM’s representatives did not leave. Deputy Parliamentary Leader Faisal Subzwari said: “We are elected representatives and it is our duty to raise public issues, but unfortunately we are denied our rights even [here]. Many areas have been turned no-go areas. We will not let crime flourish in the city. Our people will come out to control the situation if government institutions fail to.”
The MQM did not leave the hall, and the staff switched off the lights.
Shazia Marri and Pir Mazharul Haq told reporters that the MQM has to respect the assembly. “This approach … has really left us wondering,” Marri said, noting that extortion was not new to Karachi. “We know how people snatch sacrificial hides and extort from the business community. Many criminals have been arrested and we are making efforts to get rid of the menace.”
Haq said that if the MQM had concerns it should have contacted the chief minister.
Raza called for a report on the damage. According to sources, the microphones of the secretary and additional secretary along with 17 MPAs, including that on the desk Raza uses when she is not chairing the session, was damaged by the MQM.
Jatoi said his microphone was “smashed to pieces”. He requested that his questions be listed on Monday’s agenda.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 17th, 2012.

 

[Last Hope]

by a well planned mission these other parties are targetting karachi so that province of punjab gets the most investment, and karachi loses its status being the financial hub of country

Not true.

Karachi is the financial hub of Pakistan. One day of closure of the city ends in losses of millions (I know recall the exact figure right now). Punjab doesn't want to become the financial center of Pakistan, why bother wherever it is? The businesses must be successful and Pakistan's economy must be stable. That is what Pakistan wants, what Punjab, Sindh, Balouchistan, Khyer-Paktunkhwa and Kashmir wants.

I don't understand why some people, claim otherwise, spreading racism and hatred between ourselves and dividing Pakistan.

 

[pak-marine]

MQM observes Black Day throughout Sindh


By Web Desk
Published: March 17, 2012

MQM leader Altaf Hussai*n calls for a peacef*ul protes*t, business community observes strike. PHOTO: ONLINE

KARACHI: Several cities of Sindh province observed Black Day against extortions and rising crimes on the call of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Express News reported on Saturday.
All businesses as well as transport was halted in the protest backed by the business community of the city. Shops, hotels, petrol pumps and educational institutes also remained closed.
In Karachi, three vehicles were torched by unidentified people in different areas, while aerial firing was observed in Shah Faisal Colony, Orangi Town and other areas.
Rangers and police personnel were deployed to avoid any untoward incident.
Other areas observing the strike include Hyderabad, Mirpur Khas, Nawabshah, Tando Allahyar, Thatta, Dhabeji, Gharo and several others. Some tires were reportedly torched in Mirpur Khas.
Altaf Hussain appeals for peaceful protest
MQM leader Altaf Hussain appealed to the sector and unit in-charges as well as party workers to maintain peace during the strike.
Hussain warned that if any worker is found involved in any disorder during the day, his basic membership will be cancelled.

 

[pak-marine]

Two-way street: Strikes to support MQM and protests to condemn it


By Our Correspondents
Published: March 18, 2012

Traders shut shop across parts of Sindh to back the MQM’s protest against-extortion. These daily wage workers took advantage of the lull and slept in Saddar. PHOTO: ATHAR KHAN/ EXPRESS

SUKKUR / HYDERABAD / KARACHI:
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) street power, as witnessed in the Sindh Assembly on Friday, made its presence felt on Saturday as traders across the province shut shop to support the party’s anti-extortion strike.
The initial call to protest was made by the All Karachi Tajir Ittehad and was backed by the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Pakistan and other trade organisations.
Makeshift wickets replaced cars in Karachi’s busiest commercial areas and streets which were usually narrowed by vendors. One of the few places you could see people gathering was the Arambagh furniture market, where the All Karachi Tajir Ittehad (AKTI) was gearing up to protest against the increase in extortion over the last couple of months.
“The government taxes the people. They are supposed to protect the people,” said AKTI’s Ismail Lalpuria. “In Pakistan they tax us but don’t protect us. This is exactly what the extortionists do.”
At 4 pm, around 50 traders draped in black and MQM flags, made their way from Arambagh to Burnes Road. They stopped in front of Fresco Bakery where AKTI’s Atiq Mir spoke. “Today, you can see that when traders join hands with a businessman, no matter how small, they can shut down paan stalls and large departmental stores,” he said.
The traders were chanting slogans against extortionists, the defunct Peoples Amn Committee chief Uzair Baloch and in support of MQM chief Altaf Hussain. Most of the traders were associated with the MQM and non-partisan traders were nowhere in sight.
The protesters also stopped in front of Karachi Press Club where Jamil Paracha, a trader, and MPAs Muqeem Alam and Tahir Qureshi joined the protest. “Where are the people who claim to own the city?” said Paracha. “These landlords and feudals who say that they protect the city are nowhere to be seen when the going gets tough. We can all see which party is willing to sacrifice for the public interest.”
Elsewhere in Sindh
In retaliation to the MQM’s behaviour at the assembly session, where 19 microphones were broken, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and National Peoples Party (NPP) organised a counter-protest against them.
Meanwhile, trade was partially suspended in many districts of Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas, markets in Shaheed Benazirabad, Thatta, Mirpurkhas, Tando Allahyar, Sanghar and Umerkot, were also closed.
Aerial firing was heard outside the MQM’s zonal office in Thatta while PPP and nationalist party workers rallied against the MQM. NPP workers held a protest in Shaheed Benazirabad and condemned the way MPA Arif Mustafa Jatoi was shoved around at the assembly. In Sehwan, people from the Jatoi tribe and Awami Ittehad Party staged a sit-in outside the press club against the MQM.
Most of the markets and businesses in Shikarpur, Moro and Naushero Feroze, which is Jatoi’s hometown, were closed. However, this was not in support of the MQM but against it.
In Khairpur, the police booked seven MQM workers, including the zonal deputy, for forcing traders and shopkeepers to pull their shutters down. Although the main bazaar and business centres were shut down, Sukkur’s biggest meat and vegetable market, Victoria Market, was open. No strike was observed in Ghotki, Jacobabad and Kashmore. In Larkana, the police arrested more than 30 MQM workers for forcing traders to close shop.
Lawyers boycott court
In Karachi, the courts were deserted because of the strike and all cases were adjourned. The authorities did not bring the under-trial prisoners to court either. The lawyers in Khairpur, Sukkur and Larkana did not go to court in protest. They felt that the MQM had violated the sanctity of the Sindh Assembly. While talking to The Express Tribune, the president of the district bar association in Sukkur, Shafqat Raheem, said that he was shocked by the MQM. “If the educated representatives act like this, what can we expect from the illiterate masses?” he said.
with additional information from PPI
Balancing the cheque book
According to Lalpuria, a shutter down strike could easily cause traders a loss of three to four billion rupees. He estimated that extortion in the major markets such as Jamaa Cloth, Eidgah, Urdu Bazaar, Jodia Bazaar, Saddar, Electronic Market and others would amount to a total of about Rs2.5 million per day but there was no way to verify the figures. The Citizens-Police Liaison Committee claimed that these estimates were just wild guesses.
“The issue we face today is that even owners of small businesses aren’t spared,” said Lalpuria. “One can understand why the owner of a furniture store is being asked to pay but it does not make sense to ask a paan wala for bhatta.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 18th, 2012

 

[Leader]

a call from Zardari to Altaf, settled things between them...

 

[SamranAli]

i can just laugh on this mqm protest,. How can they strike against a thing, in which they are masters.

 

[pak-marine]

http://e.jang.com.pk/03-18-2012/karachi/pic.asp?picname

 

[53fd]

The political parties are involved in the mudslinging. It doesn't matter if bhatta khori (extortion) is taking place in Lyari, or some other part of Karachi where a certain ethnic group is dominant; bhatta khori is a menace for all traders of Karachi regardless of ethnicity, & the government must be serious in tackling this threat impartially. The end.

Let us get out of this mudslinging & blame game, & look at the big picture.

 

[pak-marine]

Action against extortionists in Karachi from Sunday-Malik



Interior Minister Rehman Malik . — File Photo
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Interior Rehman Malik on Saturday said the government has decided to start strict action against the criminal elements from Sunday to control the menace of extortion in Karachi.

Talking to media representatives, the minister said a proper strategy will be chalked out in a high level meeting to be held in Karachi to arrest all the criminals involved in extortion and other street crimes.

He said such steps are being taken on the direction of President Asif Ali Zardari who has taken serious notice of the complaints on the matter.

Malik said, “I will proceed to Karachi and coordinate with the provincial government in redressing the grievances of the public and traders, in particular against extortion.”

He said the biggest challenge for the government was targeted killings in Karachi which has been controlled to a great extent and now the government was committed to control extortionists as well.

He said Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) will also be involved in tracing the owners of mobile phone numbers which are being used in criminal activities in Karachi.

The minister said that 31 extortionists have already been arrested while others would be arrested soon. He added that the government will seek support of all political parties while the concept of community policing, which was launched in Karachi, will also be reviewed.

He said Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain had brought to the attention of the president the complaints of extortion in Karachi.

He termed this demand genuine saying MQM had raised this issue on receiving several complaints from citizens, on which the president had assured Mr Hussain to address the issue.

Malik said Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) respects its coalition partners and will redress the concerns of the MQM particularly extortion in Karachi.

 

[somebozo]

by a well planned mission these other parties are targetting karachi so that province of punjab gets the most investment, and karachi loses its status being the financial hub of country

Hhahahaaahha...you still belive in such fairy takes perpuated by Altaf Bhai and Mafia..

Altaf Bhai and his loser mafia out of their bigotry for Punjabis (which has long history in UP even before Pakistan came into being)tried to take over their business and moving a lot of investments to Punjab in the 1990's. And he is the sole reason why Mohajirs are kept out of employment market as everyone including me suspects them to be MQM loyalist and its better safe to be sorry.

He said Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain had brought to the attention of the president the complaints of extortion in Karachi.

Wah and what is the police doing?? or may be MQM has not assumed police duties as well?

 

[SQ8]

Punjabi's. Mohajirs.. pathans..
Each blames the other..

Wonder what happens to the Pakistani?
Are there any left??
Apparently not if one goes by the gist of the last post.