A historic crackdown was launched on Friday against the extortion mafia and illegal parking stands in Multan following the directives of Multan Division Commissioner Imran Sikandar Baloch. Commissioner Baloch directed Municipal Corporation Chief Officer (CO) Iqbal Fareed, City Police Officer (CPO) Imran Mehmood and Assistant Commissioner Qazi Mansoor to initiate the grand operation against the extortionists at illegal parking stands. They were also directed to lodge the First Information Reports (FIR) against the extortionists immediately. The commissioner also ordered for strict action against officers supporting the extortionists in this connection. Multan Commissioner said that Police and District Government would jointly conduct operation against these extortionists. “No individual will be allowed to loot the innocent masses”, he added. Baloch claimed that they had accumulated to the tune of millions through this illegal money. “This money belongs to people and it should be spent for their welfare,” he continued. The commisioner said that the recovered money from extortionists would be submitted to the national exchequer. “From there, this money would be utilized for the renovation of historical buildings of Multan, establishment of recreation parks and sports grounds with the aim of providing a space to youth for their social and physical development,” Baloch maintained. Meanwhile, Municipal Corporation also issued the standard list of 89 illegal parking stands. Forwarded to CPO and Multan Assistant Commissioner, the letter claimed that parking places were mandatory with commercial buildings and parking fee was free for general public. However, some private persons in connivance with Municipal Corporation staff were said to have established illegal parking stands and collecting fee illegally in the shape of “Bhatha”. The list of illegal parking stands included hotels, schools, colleges, marriage halls, hospitals, food outlets, restaurants, main markets, banks, recreation parks and various government offices. A non-government organization (NGO) Care and Cure’s representative Nasir Sheikh said that no such operation was conducted since the establishment of Pakistan. He appreciated the initiative taken by Commissioner Baloch and claimed that the step would lessen the burden of traffic police because these extortionists had greatly increased traffic problems.