SHC Petition
Amid Karachi’s deteriorating law and order situation, six Chinese investors filed a petition in the Sindh High Court (SHC) on Friday, seeking protection from alleged police harassment and extortion.
The petition highlights the challenges faced by the investors, who expressed deep frustration with the “culture of bribe” prevalent among local law enforcement officials.
The Chinese businessmen claimed that police officers routinely demand bribes, starting at the airport and continuing to their residences. They alleged that they are made to wait for hours at the airport under the pretext of arranging bulletproof vehicles. “Police [officers] demand bribes from the airport to our residences. After receiving bribes, they transport us to our homes in their vehicles,” the petition stated.
In addition to these claims, the petitioners said they had been deprived of their fundamental right to free movement, which has severely impacted their ability to conduct business meetings.
Frustrated by the ongoing harassment, they warned that they might be forced to leave Karachi for Lahore or even return to China if the situation remains unresolved.
The Chinese investors made several entities parties to the case, including the interior ministry, Sindh chief secretary, Inspector General of Police, CPEC security, officials from the Malir district police, and the Chinese embassy. The court has directed the Sindh IG and other relevant officials to submit their responses within four weeks.
Meanwhile, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon recently reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and support of foreign investors.
Speaking at a conference in Karachi, he highlighted the provincial government’s active public-private partnership efforts to attract investments in various sectors, including medical city projects and transport.
Memon assured full security and support for Chinese investors, emphasizing the collaboration between Chinese technology and Pakistan’s opportunities as a pathway to progress.
On behalf of the Sindh government, former President Asif Ali Zardari had also extended assurances of comprehensive support to Chinese business ventures in the province.
The petition underscores the broader challenges foreign investors face in Karachi, raising questions about the need for stronger governance and security measures to foster a more conducive business environment.
