Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, has reported an alarming 200 percent increase in extortion cases in September compared to August 2025.
The Citizen Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) report disclosed that an alarming rise in extortion incidents in Karachi has been reported this year, with a total of 96 cases officially recorded across multiple city districts.
According to the official CPLC report, District Central topped the list with 37 reported cases, followed by District Arabi with 20 and District Sharqi with 15 incidents.
District Malir reported five cases, while District Korangi recorded three. Twelve incidents were reported in District City, and two each in District South and Keamari, as confirmed by the officials.
Law enforcement and security agencies arrested 33 suspected extortionists in various operations this year, while four were killed in separate encounters with the Special Investigation Police.
READ: Karachi reports 4.2pc surge in mobile snatching during September
Officials stated that multiple Lyari gang war factions are actively involved in these extortion activities, including Wasiullah Lakho, Ahmed Ali Magsi, Ayaz Zehri, Sikandar alias Siku, and Bahadur PMT group.
Groups formerly linked to Uzair Baloch and Arshad Pappu have also allegedly re-emerged in extortion rackets, officials said, adding that proceeds are often transferred abroad through illegal channels.
According to media reports, the Lyari gang war group leader Wijaya Ullah Lakho even wrote to the SSP City, requesting his own arrest and a red warrant, raising further suspicions.
Extortionists typically begin by threatening businessmen or shopkeepers through calls or text messages, demanding money and using foreign numbers to conceal their identity, officials stated.
If victims ignore their demands, extortionists resort to firing at shops or construction sites, often leaving threatening notes behind. Several people were injured in recent shooting incidents in Karachi.
Media reports highlighted that the local gang members are assigned specific areas to collect extortion, while victims face severe threats of financial loss or death for non-payment.
The city’s business community has expressed serious concern over the surge in cases, urging authorities to ensure their protection and restore law and order in commercial zones.
Officials confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and joint teams of law enforcement and intelligence agencies are working to identify and dismantle active extortion networks in Karachi.
