Protesters demand action against extortion, kidnappings

Mounting concerns over the government's failure to address escalating incidents of extortion, kidnappings, and robberies in the Kandhkot-Kashmore district and neighbouring areas of northern Sindh have been growing. These concerns were underscored in a three-day protest camp, concluding with a rally on Thursday. Protesters demanded immediate and decisive action from law enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal networks and restore security in the region.

Organised under the banner of the Progressive Alliance for Peace Kashmore, the demonstration brought together civil society activists, traders, and residents who travelled from Kandhkot-Kashmore to highlight the issue.

Protesters argued that the worsening security situation had forced many residents and traders to abandon their homes and businesses. They alleged that criminals operate with impunity while law enforcement remains passive, failing to take decisive action. Many families, they said, have relocated to other cities, such as Karachi and Sukkur, in search of safety and stability.

"The situation has become unbearable. Traders are being extorted, people are being kidnapped, and robberies are rampant-yet the government remains silent. How long can we live under the shadow of fear?" said Imdad Khoso, a council member of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and one of the protest organisers.

A key concern raised during the demonstration was the increasing use of modern weaponry firepower by criminal groups. Protesters questioned how dacoits had managed to acquire advanced weaponry, expressing alarm over the government's inability to neutralise these threats.

The protest camp received support from leaders of various political parties, civil society groups, and bar associations, who visited there to express solidarity with the demonstrators and support their demands.

Prominent figures included Asad Iqbal Butt and Qazi Khizer from the HRCP, Asadullah Bhutto and Muhammad Yousaf from Jamaat-e-Islami, Amir Nawaz Waraich and Nazim Mahesar from the Karachi Bar Association, Saeed Baloch from the Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum, Jagdesh Aaojha and Zuriyat Bijarani from the Sindh United Party, Dr Suresh Tarlija, head of Hindu Panchayat Ghouspur, and Hameed Khoso and Sarmad Samejo from the Awami Workers Party, and Attiya Dawood, Fahmida Riaz, and Anita Panjani from the Women Action Forum.