KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), Chief Altaf Hussain has praised traders and businessmen for observing a peaceful strike against criminal elements including those involved in extortion.

He said the unity shown by the traders and businessmen against the criminal elements is commendable, said a statement issued by MQM here on Tuesday.

Altaf said the economy of the country depends on the economic stability in the metropolis and the traders and businessmen of the city will be provided support against the criminal elements.

Senators of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) said on Tuesday that government should take strict action against those criminals who are creating problems for yhr business community and disturbing law and order situation in Karachi city.

Talking to reporters outside the Parliament House, MQM Senators Ahmad Ali, Abdul Haseeb Khan, Dr. Abdul Khaliq Pirzada and Shirala Mallick said the business community was pressurized by different criminals in Karachi and their criminal acts affect the whole economic situation of the country because Karachi is the economic hub of Pakistan.

“We took Karachi law and order issue with Interior Minister Rehman Malik and he assured us that action would be taken against criminals”, the senators said.

Replying to a question they said the Interior Minister told them that thirty criminals were arrested by police and that legal course will be completed without any pressure.

To another question, the Senators said MQM plays an important role for the peace in Karachi and will always stand against the criminals.

The Senators requested all political parties to come forward and play their role for peace of in the city.