KARACHI: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry on (KCCI) Tuesday condemned a gun attack on a prominent industrialist in Karachi, warning that rising extortion and deteriorating law and order could undermine business confidence in Pakistan’s commercial hub.
KCCI President Rehan Hanif said the incident occurred in the New Karachi area, where unidentified assailants opened fire on Farzand Ali, a member of the North Karachi Association of Trade & Industry. The victim sustained two bullet wounds and was shifted to a nearby hospital, where he remained in critical condition, according to officials.
Hanif described the attack as a “chilling reflection” of worsening security conditions and an apparent resurgence of organised extortion networks targeting the business community. He said such incidents were no longer isolated and pointed to a broader trend of rising threats against industrialists and traders.
The shooting triggered concern among business leaders, with a large number of traders and industrialists visiting the hospital to express solidarity with the victim, highlighting growing anxiety within Karachi’s commercial circles.
The KCCI urged authorities to take swift and transparent action, including the immediate arrest of those responsible and enhanced security measures in industrial zones. Hanif called for increased police presence and intelligence-based operations to counter criminal activity.
He warned that failure to act decisively could inflict long-term damage on investor confidence, disrupt industrial activity and further strain Karachi’s fragile economic environment. “The safety of businessmen and industrialists is non-negotiable,” Hanif said, calling for a comprehensive security framework and strict accountability of law enforcement agencies.
He also stressed the need for technology-driven solutions, including the full operationalisation of the Safe City Project to enable integrated surveillance, real-time monitoring and rapid response capabilities across the city.
Hanif cautioned that continued inaction could prompt the business community to consider collective measures, including protests, to safeguard their interests and restore a sense of security.
