Karachi police link fresh extortion wave to gangsters operating from abroad

KARACHI: Karachi police have linked a recent spike in extortion cases in the city to gangsters operating from outside Pakistan, with Additional Inspector General Azad Khan saying law enforcement is pursuing action against the network through international channels.

Speaking during a visit to the SITE Association of Industry on Monday, Azad Khan told industrialists that extortion-related complaints were being treated "seriously". He said Karachi had seen a fresh wave of such incidents over the past two weeks, as builders and traders came under pressure through international calls and attacks on their business premises.

The senior police officer said Interpol Red Notices had been issued against five gangsters, after which their activities had reduced. He added that Karachi police had shared phone numbers and other details of the suspects with the relevant countries for further action.

Azad Khan also said police had recently carried out what he described as an effective crackdown on the Samad Kathiawari group. Stressing that there would be no leniency, he said, "Extortionists are terrorising people; there is no concession on this."

He said the city’s economic security was critical, warning that a weakening economy led to unemployment and crime. Referring to past law enforcement efforts in Karachi, he said police and other agencies had made major sacrifices to restore peace and would preserve it "at all costs".

Azad Khan said he was personally monitoring the situation and sought the support of industrialists, while also pointing to resource constraints within the Sindh police. He said the department would not be able to buy a new vehicle this year, adding, "When people see us working hard, they also help us."

On street crime, the additional IG said there had been a 25% reduction in vehicle and motorcycle snatching, while murders during robberies had also declined. He said police efforts were producing results, but added that the force wanted to improve further and continue delivering better services.