Karachi: Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar held an important press conference at the Karachi Police Office, where he stated that extortion is not only a serious crime but has also become a major issue of concern in recent times. He emphasized that since Karachi is Pakistan’s economic hub, the government’s foremost priority is to provide a peaceful environment for the business community and traders of all scales, ensuring safe and free business activities at every level.
The Home Minister said that while some areas of the city are affected by land mafia issues, efforts are being made in coordination with local traders and communities to resolve these matters amicably. He added that although the issue of extortion has been given significant hype, both the CIA and the district police are fully committed to eradicating this crime from its roots and have been conducting effective and coordinated operations.
At present, Wasiullah Lakho and Samad Kathiawari are operating extortion gangs from Iran. For their arrest, a formal request for Red Warrants has been sent, and the Sindh government will also request assistance from the Federal Interior Minister to help ensure the arrest of these criminals involved in such heinous acts. Karachi, being one of the world’s major cities, is home to people of diverse ethnicities and identities, which makes maintaining peace and order even more essential.
Zia-Ul-Hassan Lanjar further announced that a web portal is being developed to facilitate traders in registering their complaints, problems, and concerns online. All complaints submitted through this portal will be addressed promptly, and police action will be taken immediately to ensure redressal. However, he stressed that public cooperation is crucial because the elimination of crime is only possible with community support and collaboration.
The Sindh Home Minister stated that extortion in a city like Karachi is a highly serious and sensitive matter, and the Sindh government has always been committed to providing a business-friendly environment to promote economic activity. Referring to the meeting chaired by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari with the business community, he said that the directives given during that meeting are being implemented as a top priority by the provincial government.
He confirmed that the threats received by traders regarding extortion demands are real, and the CIA and district police have taken immediate action against them. During these operations, four extortionists were killed. The threats were linked to the Lakho Group and Samad Kathiawari, and the government will never allow any group or criminal element to openly distribute extortion slips or intimidate citizens. He reiterated that Karachi, being a diverse metropolis, naturally faces challenges from criminal elements, but the police remain actively engaged in dismantling such networks and will continue doing so.
He added that any complaint related to extortion slips or threats submitted through the new web portal will lead to immediate registration of an FIR, and all legal measures will be ensured against those involved. Protecting the business community and providing them with a safe and free business environment are among the top priorities of the Sindh government.
IGP Sindh, Ghulam Nabi Memon, stated that incidents of kidnapping for ransom have almost been eliminated and are now extremely rare. He added that police operations against dacoits in the katcha areas of Kashmore, Ghotki, and Shikarpur are being carried out vigorously and effectively.
Addl. IGP Karachi, Javed Alam Odho, reported that during the current year, 28% of street crime incidents involved fatalities during resistance, while 27% resulted in injuries. However, such incidents have now decreased significantly. Cases of mobile phone snatching and motorcycle theft have dropped by 15% and 8%, respectively.
At the conclusion of the press conference, Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar presented commendation certificates to the SSP SIU and his team in recognition of their outstanding performance in combating crime.
The press conference was attended by IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon, Additional IGP Karachi Javed Alam Odho, Zonal DIGs Karachi, DIGs, CIA, Admin, and SSP SIU officials.
