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KARACHI, Dec 18 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday vowed that land grabbing and extortion would not be tolerated anywhere in the province, warning that strict action would be taken against all those involved in such crimes.
The CM made these remarks during a meeting with a delegation of the Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) at the CM House. Reiterating his government’s firm stance, Murad Ali Shah said encroachment on land would not be allowed under any circumstances and clear instructions had already been issued to divisional and district administrations to take stern action against violators.
The ABAD delegation, led by Hassan Bakshi, presented copies of extortion “parchis” (slips) they had received, along with telephone numbers of the alleged senders operating from abroad. The delegation also briefed the chief minister in detail on the challenges being faced by ABAD members.
ABAD leaders informed the meeting that around 10 cases of extortion had surfaced over the past year. Police officials briefed the delegation on progress made so far, stating that an extensive operation had been launched, resulting in the arrest of 50 extortionists who were sent to jail. The home minister added that six criminals had been killed in police encounters.
Directing the police to respond promptly to every complaint from ABAD, the chief minister emphasized swift and decisive action. The Inspector General of Police informed the meeting that he had already held discussions with ABAD representatives and that action had followed those engagements. He further said that, on ABAD’s complaint, three individuals linked to an extortionist operating from abroad had been arrested.
The meeting decided that strict action would be taken on every complaint lodged by ABAD. Murad Ali Shah issued case-by-case directives to the police and civil administration for the resolution of all issues raised by the builders’ body.
“I will also take up the matter with the federal government so that extortionists operating from abroad can be arrested,” the chief minister said.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the ABAD delegation thanked the chief minister for his personal interest in resolving their issues and expressed confidence that the government’s measures would help restore confidence among builders and investors in Karachi’s construction sector.
The CM also informed the delegation that he would visit ABAD’s office to meet its office-bearers and members to further strengthen coordination and address any communication gaps.