By: Moosa Ghani
The traders community of Empress Market Karachi has dismissed Mayor Wasim Akhtar’s claim of recovering drugs and weapons from the market.
Talking to media at Karachi Press Club, the community presented their grievances and condemned Akhtar’s statement. They also announced to file a lawsuit of RS One billion against Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) party leader.
The traders community also asked Akhtar for proof to back up his claims.
On Thursday, Mayor Karachi said he is proud of conducting the anti-encroachment drive at Empress Market. “The operation was not only against illegal allotments, but was also against illegal activities happening inside Empress Market,” said the Karachi mayor. “Whatever was present in this market could have harmed Karachi.”
Meanwhile, President of Empress Market’s Action Committee, Ibrahim Memon, General Secretary Wali Khan and Haji Abdur Rashid also dismissed Akhtar’s claims of illegal activities and told the presses that they are facing continues threats from the Mayor and asked Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar to take notice.
“We are facing continuous threats from Wasim Akhtar. Chief Justice should take notice of his activities. He is trying to take revenge from the traders behind court orders,” the president said.
Earlier, Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Syed Pir Mohammad Shah had already denied the claims and said, “There has been no such information or evidence found that drugs and weapons were seized from Empress Market.”
He clarified that while in the past the police did conduct operations inside Empress Market against drugs and illegal activities, no drugs or weapons were found during the recent anti-encroachment drive.
