KARACHI: A trader in Karachi’s Soldier Bazaar area has reportedly received a threatening extortion demand of Rs5 million through WhatsApp, raising fresh concerns over the resurgence of extortion-related activities targeting the city’s business community.
According to reports circulating on July 7, 2026, the trader was contacted through WhatsApp by an unidentified person who allegedly demanded Rs5 million and issued threats in connection with the payment. Police have reportedly taken notice of the incident and are looking into the identity and whereabouts of the person behind the threatening communication.
The use of WhatsApp and other digital platforms for extortion has become a growing concern for Karachi’s traders. Criminals can use foreign or unregistered numbers to contact victims, making it more difficult for law-enforcement agencies to immediately identify those operating the accounts.
The latest incident has once again highlighted security concerns among Karachi’s business community. Traders have previously reported receiving threatening calls, messages and other forms of intimidation demanding large sums of money. In some cases, extortionists have also threatened victims and their families with serious consequences if their demands were not met.
Security experts have noted that authorities need to investigate such threats carefully rather than dismissing them as simple hoax calls. Digital records, WhatsApp messages, phone numbers and other available evidence can help investigators trace the networks behind such activities.
The authorities are expected to investigate the latest complaint and determine whether the threat is linked to an organised extortion network operating in Karachi. The incident has also renewed calls from the business community for stronger security measures and effective action against extortionists.
Karachi has witnessed similar cases in the past, including incidents where traders received extortion demands through WhatsApp and other communication channels. In one earlier case, a trader was reportedly threatened with a Rs5 million demand through a WhatsApp call.
