Lyari Shopkeeper Seeks Justice Over Alleged Police Extortion and Harassment

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A small business owner from Lyari has petitioned the sessions court, accusing several local police officers of harassment and extortion. The case raises serious concerns about corruption within law enforcement, as the alleged abuse appears to target law-abiding citizens resisting illegal demands.

Muhammad Fahad, who owns a confectionery and pan (betel leaf-based chewing product) shop in Jhat Pat Market, Lyari, has filed a formal complaint requesting criminal charges against officials from the Kalakot Police Station and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Complaint Cell. Fahad alleges that Station House Officer (SHO) Kalakot and four named officers, Shaukat, Sajid, Bilal, and Sira, have routinely harassed him and demanded weekly extortion payments.

According to the complaint, the officers repeatedly visited Fahad’s shop to coerce him into making regular payments in exchange for being left alone. When he refused, he claims that on July 13, they escalated the intimidation by forcibly taking him to Chakiwara Police Station and unlawfully confiscating more than PKR 100,000 (approx. USD 360) from his shop. He further alleges that after his continued refusal to comply with their demands, the officers retaliated by fabricating a criminal case, falsely accusing him of possessing gutka (a banned form of chewing tobacco).

Fahad was arrested under these claims but later secured bail and was released. However, he reports that the harassment has continued even after his release, with the same officers persistently demanding money.