KARACHI: President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Rehan Hanif, while expressing grave concern over a brazen firing incident in New Karachi in which a prominent industrialist was critically injured, termed the attack a chilling reflection of the rapidly deteriorating law and order situation and the alarming resurgence of organized extortion networks in the city.
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In a statement issued, Rehan Hanif stated that Farzand Ali, a member of the North Karachi Association of Trade & Industry (NKATI), was targeted by unidentified armed assailants within the jurisdiction of New Karachi Police Station. As a result of the attack, he sustained two bullet injuries and was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where his condition is reported to be critical.
Rehan Hanif strongly condemned the incident and categorically described it as a direct consequence of rising extortion activities, emphasizing that the business and industrial community is increasingly being pushed into a state of fear and insecurity. He warned that such incidents are no longer isolated but indicative of a broader and more dangerous trend.
He further noted that the incident triggered an immediate response from the business community, as a large number of traders and industrialists rushed to the hospital to express solidarity with the injured industrialist, reflecting the deep concern and anxiety prevailing across commercial circles.
President KCCI demanded that the government and law enforcement agencies take immediate, transparent, and decisive action to address the situation. He called for the swift arrest of those involved and the strengthening of police presence and intelligence-based operations in industrial zones.
He warned that any continued inaction would inflict serious and long-term damage on investor confidence, disrupt industrial operations, and further erode the already fragile economic environment of Karachi, ultimately discouraging both local and foreign investment. Emphasizing that the safety and security of businessmen and industrialists is non-negotiable, Rehan Hanif stated, “We demand a comprehensive and immediate security framework to protect industrialists, traders, and the broader business community. Every instance of an extortion call must be treated as a high-priority threat, with prompt response, effective follow-up, and strict accountability of law enforcement agencies.”
He further stressed that isolated measures would not suffice, and a technology-driven, city-wide security mechanism must be urgently implemented. “The Safe City Project must be made fully operational across Karachi without any further delay, with particular focus on all industrial zones, where economic activity remains highly vulnerable to criminal elements. Integrated surveillance, real-time monitoring, and rapid response systems are essential to deter extortion networks and restore confidence among stakeholders,” he added.
Rehan Hanif cautioned that if urgent corrective measures are not taken, the business community may be compelled to adopt a strong and united course of action, including protests, to safeguard their lives, investments, and economic interests.