KARACHI, Oct 27: Traders of the Shershah scrap market and their family members on Wednesday staged a protest rally to press the government for the acceptance of their demands, including provision of enhanced security to traders and payment of compensation to the families of the victims of last week's carnage.

The rally, taken out from Liaquatabad Daakkhana under the auspices of the Shershah Scrap Market Association, terminated at the Karachi Press Club where the office-bearers addressed the protesting traders.Twelve people, including shopkeepers of the Shershah scrap market, were shot dead by assailants riding motorbikes on Oct 19.

The office-bearers of the association reiterated that traders would keep the market closed till their demands were met by the government. They said it was unfortunate that no government functionary had contacted them to express condolence even a week after the carnage.

They demanded provision of security for traders, relocation of the market to a place where they could do their business without fear, and payment of compensation amount to the families of 12 victims who lost their lives in the deadly attack.