Karachi — Karachi police on Sunday said that eight suspects allegedly involved in operating an extortion network were arrested during a raid conducted at the residence of Pakistan Sunni Tehreek (PST) chairman Muhammad Sarwat Ejaz Qadri in the city. Police, however, clarified that Qadri was neither arrested nor wanted in any case and that no evidence had been found linking him or his party to the alleged criminal activity.
Special Investigation Unit (SIU) Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Imran Khan confirmed the development during a press briefing, stating that the raid was carried out late Saturday night within the jurisdiction of the Rizvia police station following intelligence gathered during an ongoing investigation.
SSP Khan said multiple cases had been registered against the arrested suspects, who were part of an extortion network allegedly operated by two men identified as Wasiullah Lakho and Abdul Samad Kathiawari. Both individuals were described as “most-wanted” suspects who are currently believed to be hiding abroad.
According to the SSP, three other suspects — identified as Mullah Shahzaib, Jawwad alias Waja Qadri, and Rehanuddin — had been playing key roles in managing the network’s operations in Karachi. He said the arrests were made as part of a broader crackdown on extortion following the formation of a special task force by the Karachi additional inspector general last week. The task force includes senior officers from the West Zone, the Crime Investigation Agency, central police, and the SIU.
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The investigation gained momentum two days earlier when suspect Rehanuddin was arrested in an injured condition. He is accused in a case involving extortion and firing at a car showroom registered at Jamshed Quarters police station about a month ago. During initial interrogation, Rehanuddin allegedly disclosed information about other members and leaders of the network, leading to Saturday’s joint raid.
Karachi police said on Sunday that eight suspects, “involved in running an extortion network” were arrested during a raid at the residence of Pakistan Sunni Tehreek chairman Muhammad Sarwat Ejaz Qadri in Karachi.https://t.co/6A6N3R93Gs
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) December 14, 2025
Police said 17 individuals were detained during the operation, of whom eight were found to have criminal records. Nine weapons — including G-3 rifles, submachine guns, and pistols — were also recovered. Apart from the main suspects, three individuals accused of firing during extortion attempts and three alleged facilitators were taken into custody.
SSP Khan said 10 cases had been registered with the SIU against nine suspects so far, adding that further investigation was under way. He noted that if it was established that anyone had knowingly provided shelter or assistance to the suspects, legal action would be taken accordingly.
He also confirmed that one of the arrested suspects, Rehanuddin, had contested the 2024 general elections as an independent candidate for a National Assembly seat.
