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KARACHI: Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar has revealed that five major extortio networks operating from outside Pakistan are actively targeting Karachi, with efforts under way to secure the extradition of their ringleaders.
Read More: Extortion gangs being operated from Iran, says home minister
Addressing a press conference at the Central Police Office, the minister identified the alleged masterminds as Wasiullah Lakho, Jameel Changa, Bahadur PMT, Gul Sher Jagirani and Azeem. He said the Sindh government has formally approached the federal authorities to initiate extradition proceedings against them.
Inspector General of Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, who accompanied the minister, said that Wasiullah Lakho was currently the most wanted figure involved in extortion rackets in the city. He disclosed that a request had already been sent to Interpol for the issuance of a red notice against Lakho.
No one will be allowed to challenge writ of the state,” says Sindh CM @MuradAliShahPPP Ali Shah as govt renews crackdown on extortion through sustained, intelligence-based operations, including action against overseas handlers. #LawAndOrder pic.twitter.com/EXk3X9kMWY
— Sindh Chief Minister House (@SindhCMHouse) December 19, 2025
The IGP added that documentation for two other suspects, Ahmed Ali Magsi and Samad Kathiawari, had been forwarded to the Federal Investigation Agency, which has in turn approached Interpol for red notices. He noted that fulfilling international legal requirements for such requests often takes time.
The home minister said law enforcement agencies had intensified action against extortion gangs, resulting in the arrest of 37 suspects and the killing of one in recent encounters. He also confirmed that eight alleged extortionists were arrested during a raid at what he described as an “important residence” in the metropolis.
Lanjar warned that individuals providing shelter to criminals would face legal consequences, regardless of their status or affiliation. He said the crackdown followed complaints raised by builders and traders, prompting the creation of a WhatsApp group to enable direct reporting to senior police officials.
Read More: Extortionist linked to Wasiullah Lakho group arrested
The minister also spoke about joint operations by police and Rangers in riverine areas, where several hardened bandits were killed and military-grade weapons recovered. He said at least 11 arms dealers supplying weapons to riverine gangs had been identified and urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to take action against them.