RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: The business community has strongly condemned the cowardly suicide attack at the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan Sharif that left more than 80 dead 250 people wounded.

President Of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Zubair F Tufail expressed sorrow over the loss of precious lives saying that business community equally share the grief of the bereaved families of the martyrs and the entire nation is standing behind them in this hour of distress. He said that on the one hand such brutal acts are shocking but on the other such cowardice acts of terrorism give more strength and courage to the great nation of Pakistan who is fully committed to fight these terrorists and throw them out of this sacred soil.

“The sacrifices of our people and brave soldiers would not go in vain but shall give us more strength to continue our resolve to fight these terrorists,” he said, adding that Pakistan is on the path of economic progress and prosperity and Pakistanis will not compromise on it but rather eradicate terrorists and their facilitators.

Aamer Ata Bajwa, senior vice president FPCCI, Al Haaj Dhani Bukhsh Memon, Mirza Ishtiaq Baig, Irfan Ahmed Sarwana, Saqib Fayyaz Magoon, Wali Muhammad, Sajjad Sarwar, Rasheed Ahmed Paracha, Mian Shaukat Masud, Haji Attaur Rehman, Manzoorul Haq Malik, Masooma Sibtain, vice presidents FPCCI, have also condemned terrorist attacks and suicide bombings. 

They urged the government and law enforcing agencies to ensure strict security measures at all public places, shrines, mosques, Imambargahs and other sacred places of all religions in order to secure the lives of innocent people. They also urged the relevant authorities to foil all the conspiracies being hatched to destroy peace and tranquility in Pakistan.

They appealed to all the political parties, religious factions, government and law enforcing agencies that they should honestly make efforts to fight the enemies who is bent upon destroying peaceful life and crippling economy to paralyze the entire country economically.

They said everyday it is reported that the Prime Minister and Chief Minister have taken notice of the incident and put law enforcing agency on high alert. On the other hand, the vehicles with back glasses and without number plates can be seen moving freely and no law enforcing agency stops and impound them.

The leadership of Businessmen Group (BMG) and office bearers of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), also condemned the shrine bombing.

Chairman Businessmen Group and ex-president KCCI Siraj Kassam Teli, vice chairmen BMG and former presidents KCCI Tahir Khaliq, Zubair Motiwala, Haroon Farooki and Anjum Nisar, president KCCI Shamim Ahmed Firpo, senior vice president Asif Nisar, vice president Muhammad Younus Soomro backed the Army Chief’s resolve to immediately avenge each drop of Pakistani blood.

They called for sternest action against the anti-state elements responsible for sabotaging peace and stability in Pakistan. They said these terrorists absolutely had no religion and they were not only enemies of the state but also enemies of the humanity who must be awarded exemplary and capital punishment.  

KCCI office bearers expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and prayed God Almighty to rest martyrs souls in eternal peace and speedy recovery of all the injured victims.  

They vowed they all stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their brothers and sisters in Sehwan and other parts of Sindh during this hour of grief.

Patron-in-Chief of Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) SM Muneer, president Masood Naqi, senior vice president Ghazanfar Ali Khan and vice president of the Association Umer Rehan said in a joint statement that the terrorist and anti-Pakistan elements want to derail country’s growth and prosperity hence they should be given a tit-for-tat response.

“Business community always stands with the government and the Army in their fight against anti-Pakistan forces. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Army Chief General Qamar Bajawa should order continued action against terrorists till their annihilation,” said the KATI statement.

Leaders of United Businessmen Group (UBG) , Khalid Tawab Gulzar Firoz, Senator Abdul Hasib Khan and Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig have demanded immediate practical measures to save lives and properties of people. They urged the federal government to take notice of deteriorating law and order situation.

On the other hand, Ramesh Kumar Vankwani has appealed to those Pakistani Hindus residing in Sehwan Sharif to provide assistance to the victims of the terror attack in this critical time and most importantly, ensure to donate blood on urgent basis.