Sindh police have secured a Red Notice issued by Interpol for notorious proclaimed offender Wasiullah Lakho, long regarded as a symbol of fear in Karachi and considered one of the biggest extortionists operating from abroad.
Officials say Lakho is believed to be based in a neighbouring country, from where he has allegedly been running Karachi’s largest extortion network for the past several years. His network is reported to be active not only in Lyari but also in other parts of the city, with builders and other businessmen among the key targets. The authorities have also set a reward of Rs20 million for his capture, whether dead or alive.
After prolonged efforts and legal proceedings by the Karachi police’s Criminal Investigation Agency (CIA), the Red Notice was formally issued, declaring Lakho a “highly dangerous” fugitive. He is wanted in more than 60 serious cases, including murder, attempted murder, kidnapping for ransom, extortion and attacks on police mobiles.
Through the Red Notice, international airports and security agencies worldwide have been alerted regarding his possible presence or concealment abroad. Sindh police believe his arrest can significantly disrupt the extortion network operating in Karachi. His photographs have also been circulated to assist in his identification and arrest.
When the CIA chief was asked about the whereabouts of Lakho and his close aide Samad Kathiawari, and how many other criminals are operating from abroad, DIG Muqaddas Haider said they are likely based in a neighbouring country.
The officer said that five or six individuals linked to extortion activities are operating from abroad. However, he added, apart from Kathiawari and Lakho, other groups have largely been neutralised and are not active.
He said Interpol recently issued Red Notices for Hammad and Jameel Changa, while the process for Kathiawari’s Red Notice is in its final stages. Formalities for Azeem and Bahadur PMT’s Red Notices are also being completed, while they are being tracked through their arrested associates, he added.
Police say Lakho is considered a key figure of the Lyari gang war as well as of an organised extortion network. He reportedly fled Pakistan after the Karachi operation in 2013 and later reorganised his network from abroad.
