AIGP Azad Khan says protecting Karachi’s economy remains a top priority as police report declines in terrorism and major street crimes.

KARACHI: Karachi Police have reiterated a zero-tolerance policy against extortion, with Additional Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Azad Khan assuring the business community that safeguarding the country’s commercial hub remains one of the Sindh Police’s highest priorities.

Speaking during a meeting at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Azad Khan said protecting Karachi’s commercial and industrial activities was essential to safeguarding Pakistan’s economy.

He acknowledged that terrorism, extortion, and street crime continue to pose major challenges but said stronger coordination between police, intelligence agencies, and other law enforcement institutions has significantly improved preventive policing.

According to the AIGP, terrorism-related incidents in Sindh declined from 37 cases during the corresponding period last year to eight this year, with no major terrorist incident reported during the current period.

He also shared crime statistics showing a 15 percent decline in overall street crime during the first six months of the year compared with the same period last year. Robbery-cum-murder cases fell by nearly 30 percent, injuries during robberies declined by 40 percent, vehicle snatching dropped by around 30 percent, while motorcycle and vehicle thefts decreased by approximately 20 percent. However, he noted that mobile phone snatching had recorded a slight increase.

On extortion, Azad Khan said Karachi Police maintains an uncompromising approach against extortionists, land grabbers, drug traffickers, and organized criminal networks.

He revealed that during the first half of the year, nine alleged extortionists were killed in police encounters, around 15 were injured, and 61 were arrested.

The AIGP also urged businesses and citizens not to provide employment or shelter to undocumented foreign nationals, particularly illegal Afghan immigrants, saying the federal government’s policy is being implemented strictly.

During the meeting, DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah highlighted the impact of technology-driven traffic reforms, stating that fatalities involving heavy vehicles had declined by 40 percent. He said the new traffic management system had prevented approximately 60 deaths and 217 serious injuries.

He added that Karachi Traffic Police has also launched the city’s first comprehensive scientific study on traffic congestion to help develop long-term engineering and traffic management solutions.

Representing the business community, Chairman Businessmen Group (BMG) Zubair Motiwala urged authorities to prioritize security issues in Karachi’s major wholesale markets, including Jodia Bazaar and the Cloth Market. He also called for fair anti-encroachment operations that protect legitimate businesses while taking action against illegal vendors.

Motiwala proposed appointing dedicated police focal persons to coordinate regularly with market associations and recommended introducing an online FIR registration system to improve access to police services.

Vice Chairman BMG Anjum Nisar praised Karachi Police for maintaining regular engagement with the business community, while KCCI President Muhammad Rehan Hanif acknowledged improvements in the city’s overall law and order situation compared with previous years.

However, Hanif stressed that street crime remains a serious concern and urged police to adopt more aggressive measures against criminals. He also described the Safe City Project as a key initiative, calling for expanded camera surveillance across Karachi to strengthen crime prevention, improve investigations, and enhance public confidence.

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