It is a matter of grave concern that the twin menaces of extortion and targeted killings have resurfaced in Karachi, the nerve centre of economic activities and resource generation. According to media reports, businessmen and industrialists have once again begun receiving extortion slips. Moreover, there is a growing number of incidents involving the targeted killing of traders. This has prompted them to demand that the government and law enforcement agencies take action against criminals spreading terror in North Karachi, Kharadar, Mithadar, Korangi, and other areas.
Extortion emerged as top crime in Karachi with years 2012 and 2013 proving record years of extortions in the metropolis. The severity of the crime could be judged from the fact that in the first six months of 2013, over 630 incidents of extortions were reported. It was because of rising crime and deteriorating law and order situation that entrepreneurs hesitated to invest in Karachi despite numerous advantages to do so. A large number of entrepreneurs shifted overseas along with their families and established businesses abroad. The magnitude of the problem and the loss it inflicted on the national economy, forced the law-enforcers to carry out a sustained campaign to wipe out crimes and criminals and they succeeded to a great extent as Karachi, once again, started receiving attention from local and foreign investors. However, now the situation is again deteriorating as criminals with local and foreign linkages have become active and this is evident from the fact that 91 cases of extortions were reported in the first nine months of the current year. The situation is so troubling that Businessmen Group (BMG) Chairman Zubair Motiwala stated in a release that the business community is in doubt about whether to continue operations here or leave the country. This state of affairs cannot be allowed at a time when the government has established a Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to attract investment. Efforts are also being made to clear legal and other hurdles in the way of foreign investment but all this would go waste if there is no satisfactory level of security to encourage investors to bring their money to Pakistan.
