THE Association of Builders and Developers has issued a one-month ultimatum to the government over rising incidents of extortion and kidnapping for ransom, warning that construction activities across the city will be shut down from January 15, 2026, if the situation does not improve.
Addressing a news conference along with representatives of the Karachi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), office bearers of the Association said that a decision had been taken to shut down businesses in Karachi after January 15 due to worsening insecurity. They said police appeared helpless in the face of criminals involved in extortion and kidnapping for ransom, adding that nothing would change unless red warrants were issued against these elements.
The details given by the members of the Association are shocking as they reveal that the menace of extortion has reached alarming levels. Tens of members have received extortion calls from Dubai and Iran demanding Rs. 50 million and in case of failure their staff members are shot at to intimidate the victims. What a shame that 15 to 20 ABAD members are regularly paying extortion on a monthly basis and extortionists are so bold that they even provide their bank accounts for transfer of money. The demand of the members of the business community that the federal government should take notice of the situation is reflective of their hopelessness and no trust in the ability of the provincial government to provide security and protect lives and properties of citizens, which is a fundamental responsibility of any government. How business activities can flourish and investment come when criminals are free to make mockery of the writ of the state?
