KARACHI, Oct 15: MMA members of the Sindh Assembly Nasrullah Shaji and Younus Barai have expressed their grave concern over the unrest among businessmen community vis-à-vis the intensified extortion (Bhatta) drive, ahead of the upcoming Eid, allegedly by a particular group in Karachi.

In a statement issued here on Sunday, the legislators said that they visited various markets, including Samama Market and Khaiber Market on the Main University Road, where many traders had pulled down shutters in protest against the rampant extortion by armed men, who also resorted to firing when some traders refused to oblige them.

Talking to shopkeepers, the MPAs deplored that Karachiites had been left at the mercy of extortionists.

They observed that the Bhatta culture had taken roots by leaps and bounds during the tenure of the present provincial and city governments.

They appreciated citizens, especially traders, for daring to resist the Bhatta mafia, and termed their protest ‘a courageous act’ against the extortionists.

Office-bearers of the Market Associations Lal Khan, Younus Khan and others thanked the MMA legislators for looking into their grievance and extending their support in their initiative against the menace.—PPI