Karachi Police Arrest 8 Suspects Linked to Extortion Network in Raid at Sunni Tehreek Chief’s Residence

Karachi — Karachi police on Sunday confirmed the arrest of eight suspects involved in an organised extortion network following a late-night raid at the residence of Pakistan Sunni Tehreek (PST) chairman Muhammad Sarwat Ejaz Qadri, authorities said.

Speaking at a press briefing, Special Investigation Unit (SIU) SSP Imran Khan clarified that Sarwat Ejaz Qadri was neither arrested nor wanted in any criminal case. He further stated that police have found no evidence linking the PST chief or any political party to the extortion racket.

Extortion Network Operated by ‘Most-Wanted’ Suspects

According to SSP Imran Khan, multiple criminal cases have been registered against the arrested individuals, who were part of an extortion network allegedly run by two most-wanted suspects — Wasiullah Lakho and Abdul Samad Kathiawari.

The two alleged masterminds are believed to be hiding abroad, while three key operatives — Mullah Shahzaib, Jawwad alias Waja Qadri, and Rehanuddin — were actively managing extortion activities in Karachi, the SSP said.

Special Task Force and Weapons Seized

The SSP said the Karachi additional inspector general constituted a special task force to crack down on extortion gangs last week. The task force includes the West Zone DIG, Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) DIG, Central SSP, and SIU SSP.

Two days before the raid, police arrested Rehanuddin in an injured condition. He is accused in a case involving extortion and firing at a car showroom, registered at Jamshed Quarters police station last month.

“During interrogation, the suspect disclosed the identities of other gang members,” SSP Khan said, adding that based on this intelligence, SIU and Central Police conducted a joint operation in the Rizvia police station area on Saturday night.

During the raid, 17 individuals were detained, and police recovered nine illegal weapons, including G-3 rifles, submachine guns, and pistols.

Criminal Records and Ongoing Investigation

Initial investigations revealed that eight detainees have prior criminal records, including Mullah Shahzaib and Jawwad. Police also arrested three suspects involved in firing incidents during extortion operations, along with three facilitators.

SSP Imran Khan confirmed that 10 FIRs have been registered with the SIU against nine suspects connected to the extortion network.

He added that further investigations are underway, and legal action will be taken against any individual found to have sheltered or assisted the suspects.

Political Background of One Suspect

The SSP also confirmed that one of the arrested suspects, Rehanuddin, contested the 2024 general elections as an independent candidate for a National Assembly seat.