Already reeling from the menace of street crime, Karachi is once again witnessing a surge in extortion incidents, prompting the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry to issue an advisory to its members, urging heightened vigilance and stricter security measures.
According to a letter circulated by the KCCI to its members, several traders have recently received extortion slips accompanied by live bullets — a disturbing trend that the chamber described as a serious threat not only to the business community but also to Karachi’s overall law and order situation.
The letter stated that the extortion demands involve large sums of money, spreading fear and anxiety among traders across the city.
In the advisory issued by the KCCI secretary general, members have been directed to install high-quality CCTV cameras at both their business premises and residences, ensuring that the systems include proper backup storage.
The letter further advised that in case of any untoward incident, traders should share the CCTV footage with the chamber so it can be forwarded to the relevant authorities with solid evidence.
The KCCI said the move aims to help law enforcement agencies take swift action against those involved in such heinous crimes and ensure their arrest.
Uptick in street crimes, thefts in September
At least 51 people were killed in incidents of violence across Karachi during the month of September, while citizens also faced a sharp rise in street crimes, extortion, and vehicle theft, according to the latest report by the Citizens–Police Liaison Committee (CPLC).
The report revealed that September proved to be yet another grim month for Karachi residents, with a steep increase in snatching and theft incidents involving mobile phones, cars, and motorcycles.
According to the CPLC data, a total of 199 cars and 3,698 motorcycles were snatched or stolen during the month, along with 1,542 mobile phones. Of these, 517 motorcycles were snatched at gunpoint, while 3,181 were reported stolen.
The report also highlighted a rise in extortion cases targeting members of the city’s business community, raising concerns over deteriorating law and order.
Security analysts say the data underscores the growing sense of insecurity in the city, where incidents of violence and street crime continue to plague citizens despite repeated police crackdowns.
