Sindh Interior Minister Zia Lanjar has revealed that extortion groups in Karachi have adopted a new modus operandi, exploiting children and unemployed individuals to carry out their criminal activities.
Speaking in a local TV provramme, the minister said that extortionists are recruiting vulnerable individuals to gather information, take photographs of under-construction buildings, and relay details to criminal networks involved in demanding protection money.
He urged the public not to conceal extortion-related incidents, stressing that law enforcement agencies are actively taking action. “Just yesterday, an extortion gang was arrested,” Lanjar said, adding that there would be no backing or tolerance for extortionists and those involved would not be spared.
Sharing statistics, the interior minister said that between 2024 and 2025, a total of 172 cases were registered under extortion-related charges in Karachi. Police investigations later confirmed that 76 of these were genuine extortion cases, while others were linked to personal disputes, land issues, and community conflicts wrongly reported as extortion.
He said police had successfully resolved 73 extortion cases, identifying 131 suspects involved in the confirmed incidents. During operations, six suspects were killed in police encounters, 14 injured suspects were arrested, and more than 100 individuals linked to extortion activities were taken into custody.
Referring to recent claims by the business community, Lanjar said police had arrested nine suspects from Qadri House, while eight incidents highlighted during a recent press conference by business representatives were also being investigated.
The minister also spoke about traffic management reforms in Karachi, stating that the e-challan system was introduced to improve traffic discipline and has contributed to a reduction in fatalities from road accidents.
He said a meeting was held with opposition parties, where suggestions were sought regarding the e-challan system. Authorities are considering reducing fines for minor and common violations by motorcyclists, he added.
Lanjar said restrictions had been imposed on port-linked trailers during daytime hours, while construction material carriers such as gravel trucks are barred during school hours and peak daytime traffic. However, he clarified that water tankers could not be banned, as doing so would disrupt water supply in the city.
On the issue of the Inspector General of Police Sindh, the minister said the provincial government had contacted the federal government regarding a possible change. Under the procedure, the federation sends three names, one of which is approved by the province and sent back. He added that Sindh has several Grade-21 officers and expected no issues in finalizing the appointment.
