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KARACHI: Industrialists belonging to the SITE Association of Industry have expressed concern over rising incidents of extortion, factory robberies and the lack of a conducive business environment, urging the government to ensure security and stability for economic activity.
At a meeting held at the association’s office, members briefed Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho on the deteriorating law and order situation and called for immediate measures to safeguard industrial units and ensure uninterrupted operations. Senior police officials, SITE office-bearers and several members attended the session.
SAI President Abdul Rehman Fudda condemned a recent shooting incident involving an industrialist in North Karachi, reportedly linked to extortion demands. He stressed that the safety of the business community must be ensured and highlighted widespread encroachments in the SITE area, which the IG said would be removed. Odho also pledged strict action against extortionists and those targeting industrialists.
Patron-in-Chief Zubair Motiwala said the environment at police stations discourages citizens from registering first information reports (FIRs), adding that incidents should be recorded even without naming suspects. He also pointed to traffic congestion between the Siraj Kassam Teli flyover and the Nazimabad underpass, which he said costs commuters at least 20 minutes daily. He further raised concerns over aerial firing at weddings damaging solar panels, to which the IG responded that action would be taken.
Patron Saleem Parekh raised concerns about unannounced raids by SSGC Police, Railways Police and KWSC Police, and called for better coordination among agencies. He also suggested providing the association with a drone camera to support its Crime Monitoring Cell.
Former president Jawed Bilwani called for the permanent removal of encroachments, restrictions on heavy traffic during evening peak hours and the establishment of dedicated truck parking areas to ease congestion. He proposed that the first phase of the Safe City Project be implemented at entry and exit points of the SITE area, and that industries be encouraged to install quality CCTV cameras and lighting.
Law and Order Committee Chairperson Abdul Hadi said there is a shortage of 113 police personnel across SITE PS-A, PS-B and the Crime Monitoring Cell, with only one of three police vehicles currently operational. He called for at least eight to ten patrol vehicles to ensure a timely response. He added that factory robberies have re-emerged over the past five months, while broken-down vehicles on flyovers continue to disrupt traffic.
DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah said station officers have been issued tablets to report violations. He said commuters would be given one month to adopt lane discipline, after which fines would be imposed, starting from Shahrae Faisal. Measures are also under way to improve traffic flow on Mauripur Road.
