BY: MUSTAFA MUGHAL
DI KHAN: A large protest and sit-in were held by local trader organizations on Tuesday following the brazen daylight killing of two businessmen near Laghari Gate on Monday, sparking widespread anger over the worsening law and order situation in the city.
Organized by the Central Traders Association, Traders Ittehad, and the Trader Action Committee, the demonstration came in the wake of a deadly robbery in which trader Rana Aslam and his employee Muhammad Javed were shot dead, while two others sustained serious injuries.
The protesters warned authorities that if the culprits are not arrested within three days, they will be compelled to call a citywide strike and hold a major sit-in at GPO Chowk, in front of CM House, or Chowglia.
Traders’ leaders including Sohail Ahmed Azmi, Kafeel Ahmad Nizami, Hamid Ali Rehmani, Choudhry Jameel Ahmad, Malik Ashfaq Chughtai, and several others addressed the protesters.
The speaker condemned the growing crime wave, citing daily incidents of robbery, extortion, and kidnapping.
They noted that despite both the Chief Minister and Governor hailing from the region, Dera Ismail Khan remains plagued by insecurity and administrative neglect.
The speakers criticized the decline in police presence and patrolling, especially in areas like CPEC Route, Tank Road, Daraban Road, and Multan Road, making nighttime travel increasingly dangerous.
They alleged that key government institutions have fallen victim to corruption and nepotism, and that district officials, including the DIG and Commissioner, have failed to engage with the local business community.
The protesters also demonstratedinclude a symbolic sit-in and chanted slogans against the provincial government inaction.
The protesters declared that if no progress is made within the stated timeframe, a full-scale shutdown and indefinite sit-in will follow.
The protest was participated by a large number of traders and citizens, who demanded immediate justice and security reforms.
