Karachi, December 17 (Dec 20–25): Incidents of extortion in Karachi have increased to a dangerously alarming level, with builders, developers, and the business community being systematically harassed. Extortionists and land-grabbing mafias have effectively taken Pakistan’s economic engine—Karachi—hostage. These elements are allegedly operating under the patronage of Fitna-al-Kharij. The lives and property of builders and businesspeople face severe threats.
Extortionists are making calls from Iranian phone numbers to demand ransom. If red warrants are not issued against these extortionists and no action is taken, options such as shutting down businesses and staging sit-ins will be considered. These views were expressed by Chairman of the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD), Muhammad Hassan Bakhshi, while addressing a press conference at ABAD House, accompanied by former chairman Mohsin Sheikhani, Senior Vice Chairman Syed Afzal Hameed, Vice Chairman Tariq Aziz, and Southern Region Chairman Ahmed Owais Thanvi.
The ABAD chairman stated that individuals including Ahmed Ali Mugazi, Jameel Chhanga, and others are involved in extortion activities. He revealed that over the past five months, at least 10 ABAD members received extortion calls, with a total demand of Rs. 50 million, made from numbers based in Dubai and Iran. These extortionists issue written slips; if the slip is refused, firing begins. He added that 10 ABAD members have formally lodged complaints with the association. Despite the fact that extortionists even write their names, phone numbers, and bank account details on these slips, no action has been taken against them.
Muhammad Hassan Bakhshi questioned the effectiveness of the Safe City project, stating that cameras have been installed across the city, but asked how many extortionists have actually been caught using this surveillance. Citing an example, he said that Wasiullah Lakho has around 60 registered cases against him, yet criminal activity continues unabated. “There is a limit to oppression, but Karachi’s situation has crossed even that limit,” he said, adding that the abduction of a lawyer at 6 a.m. is deeply alarming. Businesspeople, he noted, are being forced to shift their businesses abroad.
He further alleged that government officials are now also involved in land grabbing. In New Karachi Sector 14, land belonging to an ABAD member has been encroached upon. Even court orders are not being implemented, and encroachments are being made on 40-foot-wide roads. He said there is no institution where ABAD has not filed complaints, warning that if these grievances are not taken seriously, it will be too late.
Referring to FBR raids, he alleged that officials conduct raids on builders’ offices, seize all files, keep them for months, and then demand bribes worth crores of rupees in return. He added that builders including Sonic Builder, Jilani Property, Saleem Godel, Mustafa Waiz, and others have also received extortion calls. After extortion threats to Danish Aleem, his employee was martyred just a day earlier. “The people sitting behind me today are fearful and waiting for their turn. Our properties are at stake, and there is no one to listen,” he said.
On the occasion, Allied Panel Patron-in-Chief Mohsin Sheikhani demanded security pickets and the deployment of Rangers alongside builders. He said ABAD supports 72 industries across the country and that builders’ assets are entirely at risk. Calls come from Iran with threats; information is demanded, and if responses are not provided, firing ensues. He said extortionists arrive at 8 a.m. and spread fear through gunfire. Appealing to the Army Chief, he urged attention to Karachi’s deteriorating situation, warning that business closures would reduce tax collection and severely damage the economy. He demanded the issuance of red warrants against those involved in extortion and immediate, strict measures to save Karachi.
ABAD Senior Vice Chairman Syed Afzal Hameed said extortion and land grabbing have held the construction industry hostage. If there is no peace in Karachi, the economy will suffer, as 50 percent of remittances come through the construction sector.
Trader leader Hafeez Aziz stated that although a red warrant case against the notorious Wasiullah Lakho was sent by the police, it has yet to be implemented. He said establishing peace in the city and ending extortion is their fundamental right, and the state must ensure it. He alleged that Ahmed Mugassi and Wasiullah Lakho openly claim they do not even listen to the SSP. In Jodia Bazaar, traders are being forcibly extorted—ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 100,000. He demanded full protection for builders and the creation of an environment in which they can continue their businesses without fear.
