Chinese Investors Seek Legal Protection from Alleged Police Harassment in Karachi
Six Chinese investors filed a petition with the Sindh High Court on Friday, requesting protection from alleged extortion and harassment by Karachi police. In their plea, the investors expressed frustration with what they described as a “culture of bribery” within the local police force. They claimed that if the situation wasn’t addressed, they would be forced to either move to Lahore or return to China.
The petition outlined how police officers allegedly demanded bribes from the airport to the investors’ residences and made them wait for hours under the pretext of arranging bulletproof vehicles. Once the bribes were paid, the officers reportedly transported the investors to their homes in police vehicles.
The investors also complained that their freedom of movement and ability to conduct business meetings had been severely restricted. They named several parties in the case, including the Interior Ministry, the Chief Secretary, the Sindh IG, CPEC security, Malir district police, and the Chinese Embassy.
The court has given the Sindh IG and other involved parties four weeks to respond.
Sindh Government’s Commitment to Chinese Investors
Last month, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon reassured Chinese investors of the government’s support. He emphasized that both the federal and provincial governments have consistently welcomed foreign investors. He highlighted that the Sindh government was working on strengthening public-private partnerships and would provide full support to investors.
At a conference in Karachi, Memon shared that Chinese investors were particularly interested in the medical city and transportation sectors in the city. He also noted that former President Asif Ali Zardari had extended the Sindh government’s full backing to Chinese investors. Memon stressed the importance of combining Chinese technology with Pakistan’s opportunities to foster further development and promised full security for Chinese investors.
