KARACHI: The business community in Pakistan’s economic capital is under siege as incidents of extortion have surged to alarming levels, with builders, developers, and traders facing extortion calls from outlawed organization and systematic harassment by the FBR officials. Leaders of the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) on Wednesday warned of potential business shutdowns and sit-ins if immediate action is not taken against extortionists and FBR officials, who have effectively held the city’s construction and commercial sectors hostage. Speaking at a press conference at ABAD House, Chairman Muhammad Hassan Bakhshi said that over the past five months, at least 10 ABAD members received extortion demands totaling Rs 50 million through calls originating from Iranian and Dubai-based phone numbers. “These extortionists issue written slips containing their names, phone numbers, and even bank account details. If the slip is refused, firing begins. Yet no action has been taken against them,” Bakhshi said, flanked by former chairman Mohsin Sheikhani and other senior office bearers. The ABAD chairman identified Ahmed Ali Mugsi, Jameel Chhanga, and Wasiullah Lakho among those allegedly involved in the extortion racket. He said that Lakho alone has approximately 60 registered cases against him, yet continues operating with impunity. Following extortion threats to builder Danish Aleem, his employee was killed just a day ago. The Builders and Developers are fearful and waiting for their turn. Our properties are at stake, and there is no one to listen,” Bakhshi said. The ABAD claimed that he criminal elements are operating under the patronage of what they termed “Fitna-al-Khawarij,” with extortionists brazenly conducting operations in broad daylight. Questioning the efficacy of the Safe City surveillance project, Bakhshi asked how many extortionists have been caught despite cameras installed across the metropolis. He also alleged that government officials have now joined the land-grabbing mafia, citing a case in New Karachi Sector 14 where an ABAD member’s property has been encroached, despite the court orders. The ABAD leaders also accused the FBR officials of conducting raids, seizing files for months, and then demanding bribes in millions. Mohsin Sheikhani, Patron-in-Chief ABAD appealed directly to the Army Chief to intervene, warning that business closures would devastate tax collection and the national economy. He demanded the deployment of Rangers alongside builders and the issuance of red warrants against those involved in extortion. Trader leader Hafeez Aziz corroborated the builders’ concerns, stating that although police had sent a red warrant case against Wasiullah Lakho, it remains unimplemented. He alleged that in Jodia Bazaar, traders are being forcibly extorted for amounts ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 100,000. “Ahmed Mugsi and Wasiullah Lakho openly claim they do not even listen to the SSP,” Aziz said, demanding full protection for the business community and an environment free from fear. The ABAD has filed complaints with multiple government institutions but claims their grievances have gone unheeded. They have now threatened to shut down businesses and stage sit-ins if red warrants are not issued and concrete action is not taken against the extortion network. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025