The Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Karachi police on Friday announced the arrest of three suspects accused of demanding extortion from prominent social activist and JDC Welfare Organisation head, Zafar Abbas.

According to SIU DSP Sohail Khan, the arrested suspects were identified as Manzar, Yawar, and Mohsin Wasti.

The group allegedly demanded Rs140 million per month — amounting to more than Rs1.65 billion annually — from Abbas.

Police said the ringleader of the gang, Mahmood Akhtar Naqvi, remains at large.

“Naqvi has been involved in extortion for the last 40 years and has become a symbol of fear across the country,” DSP Khan told reporters at the CIA Centre press conference.

He added that authorities have contacted the Exit Control List (ECL) to prevent Naqvi from fleeing abroad.

The DSP said cases have been registered against the arrested men, who were allegedly hiding at multiple locations, while raids are underway to capture the mastermind.

Speaking at the press conference, Zafar Abbas revealed that about a week ago, associates of Naqvi summoned him on Sharea Faisal and demanded extortion.

“When I refused, they threatened to kill my daughter and family,” Abbas said, thanking the police for their swift action.

The activist appealed to citizens never to give in to extortionists.

“Once you pay, you are forced to keep paying for life. Instead, report such criminals to the police and support the fight against them,” he urged.

Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and further arrests from the network are expected.