The Federal Ministry of Interior has approached Interpol to seek assistance in arresting extortionists involved in targeting traders in Karachi, officials said, marking a key step in a widening crackdown against organised crime.

The move follows recommendations by the Sindh Police, which provided the Interior Ministry with a list of suspected extortionists to facilitate the arrest of individuals believed to be operating from abroad.

Sources said the Interior Ministry has formally written to Interpol to pursue action against elements involved in extortion in Karachi.

The list includes suspects allegedly linked to gang warfare, with authorities seeking international cooperation to secure their arrest.

Officials said Interpol has also been contacted for the arrest of Wasi Lakho, a suspected extortionist linked to gang activity, while Sindh Police have written to the federal government seeking help in apprehending Ahmed Magsi.

The development comes a day after Karachi builders held a press conference to raise concerns over rising extortion demands.

Representatives of the builders’ community have also met Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar to highlight the city’s law-and-order situation and the impact of extortion on business activity.

Earlier, the chief minister ordered strict action against extortion networks in Karachi. During a meeting with a delegation led by Hassan Bakhshi, he was briefed on the situation and was handed extortion slips and mobile phone numbers allegedly used by criminal groups.

The chief minister said timely complaints could have enabled earlier action, adding that the government would pursue a zero-tolerance policy against extortion.

Home Minister Lanjar said operations against extortion mafias were underway across Sindh and that 50 extortionists had so far been arrested. He added that further measures were being taken to dismantle extortion networks in Karachi.

Separately, Karachi police arrested Shahid, brother of alleged gang leader Samad Kathiawari, along with three associates during a raid in the Federal B Area. Police said Shahid was responsible for making extortion calls and collecting money.

Mobile phones and SIM cards were recovered from the suspects, police said, adding that the material was being examined to gather further evidence. Authorities said coordination with federal agencies has been agreed to accelerate arrests and disrupt extortion networks.