Sindh

Payback time: Two alleged extortionists arrested

Suspects, identified as Muhammad Ilyas and Muhammad Yasir, were apprehended from Defence Housing Authority

Our Correspondent July 02, 2016

A file photo of Rangers in Karachi. PHOTO: AFP

KARACHI: The Rangers claimed to have arrested two suspects, belonging to the banned outfit, for collecting forceful donations in the metropolis.

The suspects, identified as Muhammad Ilyas and Muhammad Yasir, were apprehended from Defence Housing Authority on late Friday night.

"Both of them were collecting extortion money in the name of fitra," clarified the Rangers spokesperson. "The two are members of a banned outfit."

The Rangers also obtained fitra chits from the suspects, which mentioned the name of alRehman Trust — an organisation which was banned by the government for having links with the banned militant outfit, Jaish-e-Muhammad.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) also claimed that the banned militant outfits are openly collecting fitra and zakat in Karachi while the troubles are being created for the MQM’s charity wing — Khidmat-e-Khalq Foundation.

Rangers also appealed to the masses to inform the Rangers at their helpline about any similar activities in Karachi. On the other hand, Sindh IG Allah Dino Khowaja also took notice and appealed to the citizens to inform the police about any complain regarding the forced collection of fitra and zakat.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2016.