Karachi Sees Third Extortion Attempt as Cases Rise Across the City
A surge in Karachi extortion cases has raised alarm after a third attempt surfaced within three days. Aram Bagh Police registered a case against unidentified suspects following a restaurant owner’s complaint. The extortionists used phone calls and WhatsApp to send threats and even shared a private bank account for payment.
Threats to Business Owners
This incident adds to a troubling pattern. According to CPLC, the city reported 139 extortion cases in the past two years. In 2025 alone, 74 cases were documented until October 30. Numbers continued to rise month by month, with October marking the highest at 18. Three more incidents have already been recorded in November.
The recent cases show bold and violent intimidation. Extortionists opened fire at a trader’s showroom on New MA Jinnah Road. In another case, a marble trader received bullets as a warning. The Aram Bagh restaurant owner faced a demand of Rs2 million that later dropped to Rs300,000. The extortionists then sent a bank account number to push him into paying.
Details of the Complaint
Aram Bagh Police registered FIR No. 404/2025 under sections related to extortion and threats. The complainant, Abdul Rehman, runs Spicy Khan restaurant with his partner. He said a message arrived on the restaurant’s WhatsApp on November 19. The extortionist claimed to know his movements and threatened harm to his family if he did not pay.
He said the threats continued through messages and voice notes. The suspects even shared an account under the name Haider Khan. Abdul Rehman expressed fear for his family and asked police to act quickly.
Police have now sent the case to the Special Investigation Unit for deeper inquiry. However, many traders say fear forces them to stay silent, creating more concern within the business community.
