KARACHI – Sindh’s Home Minister Zia Lanjhar on Thursday revealed that extortionists in Karachi have adopted a new method of operation, where children and unemployed individuals are being used as tools in their illegal activities.
Lanjhar explained that the introduction of the e-challan system aimed to improve traffic conditions in the city. He noted that since the implementation of the e-challan, the number of fatalities due to traffic accidents has decreased.
Lanjhar further disclosed that a meeting has been scheduled to review the e-challan system, where opposition parties have been invited to provide suggestions. He announced that fines for minor and general offenses by motorcyclists would be reduced, and restrictions would be imposed on trucks operating during the day.
Additionally, a ban has been placed on the movement of water tankers, as this could affect the city’s water supply. Restrictions on the movement of construction material, such as gravel, will also be enforced during day and school hours.
In a separate development, Lanjhar spoke about the issue of extortion in Karachi, emphasizing that the authorities are not concealing any extortion-related matters. He revealed that a recent operation had resulted in the capture of an extortion group that hires children, unemployed individuals, and criminals to carry out their activities. The group uses these individuals to photograph and gather information about under-construction buildings for extortion purposes.
The home minister assured that no support would be provided to extortionists, stating that they would not be spared. Lanjhar also shared that between 2024 and 2025, 172 extortion cases were registered in Karachi. Out of these, 76 were confirmed as extortion-related after police investigations. Many of these cases involved disputes over land, family, or community matters. The police successfully resolved 73 of these extortion cases.
In the 76 extortion cases, a total of 131 suspects were involved. Six of the suspects were killed in police encounters, while 14 were arrested after being injured. Over 100 extortionists have been apprehended by the police, and the authorities have taken swift action, arresting nine individuals connected to extortion activities at Qadri House.
Lanjhar emphasized that the government remains committed to tackling extortion in Karachi and ensuring that those involved in such illegal activities are held accountable.
