MQM’s Farooq Sattar Holds Press Conference Over Extortion and Lawlessness in Karachi, Urges Protection for Traders and Builders
Karachi: Senior MQM leader Dr. Farooq Sattar held a press conference highlighting the worsening law and order situation, extortion, and public hardships in Karachi, emphasizing the challenges faced by the city’s traders and builders.
Dr. Sattar said Karachi is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, contributing 60% of the country’s revenue, yet its citizens are facing severe hardships. He pointed out the scarcity of water, broken roads, lack of basic facilities, and the role of water tanker mafias in distributing water, making daily life increasingly difficult for residents.
He revealed that traders and builders have long raised these issues, alerting state institutions as well as the Sindh Chief Minister and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto. However, extortion has once again surged in the city, with traders receiving calls and notices from extortionists demanding crores of rupees.
Dr. Sattar stated that nearly 10 builders have formally filed complaints, while over 40 others are facing harassment from extortionists. Complaints are widespread in commercial hubs including the Old City area, Saddar, and Tariq Road.
He warned that the law and order situation in Karachi is severely deteriorated, putting traders’ lives at significant risk. Dr. Sattar also disclosed that there have been recent incidents of firing at builders’ offices, and extortionists have access to their complete records. Many involved have long histories, dating back to the 2012 gang war, and are now operating from abroad.
Dr. Sattar demanded that red warrants be issued against extortionists residing abroad and that they be brought back to Pakistan for legal action. He emphasized that under the 18th Amendment, the responsibility for maintaining law and order in Karachi rests fully with the provincial government, which must acknowledge and act on it.
He also raised concerns over land grabbing in vacant areas and highlighted that while some state institutions are performing commendably, urgent steps are needed to ensure the safety of traders and builders. Dr. Sattar warned that without immediate government action, the economic and social conditions in Karachi could further deteriorate.
