Lyari gangs now a thing of past: Lanjar

Sindh Interior Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar has declared that the once-notorious criminal elements known as Lyari Gang War are now a thing of the past, asserting that those trying to re-emerge "are being eliminated." He emphasised that the provincial government's policy is crystal clear: no criminal will be tolerated in Karachi or anywhere in Sindh.

Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Police Office alongside IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon and Additional IG Karachi Javed Alam Odho, Lanjar said the government is pursuing an aggressive, not defensive, policing policy. "While I am here, we will not follow anyone's dictation," he said. "Our foremost duty is to protect the lives and property of citizens."

Lanjar revealed that key Lyari gang figures Wasiullah Lakho and Abdul Samad Bhai Kathiawari, allegedly behind recent extortion threats to Karachi's business community, are currently in Iran. He said Sindh has requested the Federal Interior Ministry to issue a Red Warrant for their extradition.

The minister said that the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) and district police have launched an extensive crackdown on extortion rackets. In recent days, four extortionists were killed and three arrested in injured condition, while actions against several others are ongoing. He announced that a web portal has been established to allow traders to directly report extortion threats for immediate police response.