Extortion Worth Millions Being Demanded From Karachi Citizens: Farooq Sattar

Karachi: Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan (MQM-P) leader Dr. Farooq Sattar has warned that the menace of extortion has once again resurfaced boldly in Karachi, claiming that citizens are being asked to pay extortion amounting to millions of rupees.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Farooq Sattar said that traders are receiving extortion slips and threatening calls from foreign numbers. He stressed that Karachi’s traders and builders play a vital role in Pakistan’s economy, yet are being targeted by criminal elements.

He pointed out that Karachi contributes around 60 percent of the country’s revenue, but despite this, citizens continue to suffer. He highlighted severe issues in the city, including water shortages, broken roads, and the dominance of the water tanker mafia. He said MQM-P has repeatedly drawn the attention of state institutions to these serious problems.

The MQM leader said that appeals have been made to Sindh Chief Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. He also referred to a press conference by the chairman of the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD), who revealed the alarming scale of extortion faced by builders.

Farooq Sattar disclosed that nearly 10 builders have formally lodged complaints, while more than 40 others have also reported receiving extortion demands. He added that incidents of firing at builders’ offices have begun, and extortionists reportedly possess complete records of builders.

He further stated that following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the responsibility for maintaining law and order rests with the provincial government, urging it to take immediate and effective action to protect citizens.