Altaf thankful for peaceful strike

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain on Saturday thanked industrialists, traders, transporters and people from all walks of life for registering a peaceful protest against 'inaction of Sindh Government against extortion and Parchi mafias in Karachi and an undemocratic and dictatorial attitude of MPAs of Pakistan People's Party'.

In a statement issued from MQM London Secretariat, Altaf said economic, trade and social activities have come to a halt in the city due to the burgeoning adventures of extortionists and criminal elements.

The demands for extortion money through Parchis and threats of consequences have forced traders' community to shift their businesses elsewhere, he observed.

"MQM is a representative party of Karachi, so it cannot leave the city and its citizens at the mercy of criminals and anti-social elements," he asserted, maintaining his party would continue to raise voice at every forum till the elimination of extortion and other criminal activities.

Altaf Hussain said the people of Karachi and Sindh proved by keeping their businesses and shops closed during strike today that they desired peace and were united as an iron-wall against the enemies.