Karachi, already grappling with the menace of street crime, is once again facing a surge in extortion incidents, raising serious concerns among the city’s business community.
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has issued an urgent advisory to its members, urging heightened vigilance and the implementation of stricter security measures to counter the growing threat.
According to a letter circulated by the KCCI, several traders have recently received extortion slips accompanied by live bullets — a disturbing tactic that has spread fear and anxiety among business owners.
The chamber described this as a grave challenge to Karachi’s law and order situation, emphasizing that extortion demands often involve large sums of money.
In the advisory, the KCCI secretary general instructed members to install high-quality CCTV cameras at both their business establishments and residences, ensuring the systems have proper backup storage.
The letter also urged members to immediately share CCTV footage with the chamber in the event of any incident so that it can be forwarded to the relevant law enforcement authorities as credible evidence.
The KCCI stressed that the move aims to help security agencies act swiftly against criminals involved in such heinous activities and ensure their prosecution.
Meanwhile, Karachi’s deteriorating security situation has been reflected in the latest Citizens–Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) report, which paints a grim picture of September.
The report stated that at least 51 people were killed in various incidents of violence, while cases of street crimes, extortion, and vehicle theft witnessed a sharp rise.
A total of 199 cars, 3,698 motorcycles, and 1,542 mobile phones were reported stolen or snatched during the month. Security analysts warn that the persistent wave of crime underscores a growing sense of insecurity in Karachi, despite repeated police crackdowns and assurances of improved law enforcement.
