Rangers arrest proclaimed offender linked with Lyari gang war

KARACHI: The Sindh Rangers have arrested a most-wanted extortionist associated with the Wasiullah Lakho gang based in Lyari during an intelligence-based operation.

The suspect was identified as Ismail, alias Tamba Ali. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from his possession. According to a spokesperson for the paramilitary force, the arrested suspect was involved in multiple criminal activities linked to the Lyari gang war, including target killings, kidnappings for ransom, police encounters, drug trafficking, extortion, murders and attempted murders, and more than 50 cases of robberies and street crime.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly revealed that he initially joined the Muttahida Qaumi Movement in 2005 and later became part of Wasiullah Lakho faction of the Uzair Baloch group in 2008.

He admitted involvement in several ethnically motivated killings and violent operations, the Rangers spokesperson said, adding that the suspect had collaborated with key Lyari gang commanders, including Wasiullah Lakho, Sharjeel Dawa, Nisar Memon, Rizwan Pendo, Taj Muhammad, alias Tajo, Mohsin Bawa and Rizwan, alias Mota, in various criminal acts.

Ismail was reportedly involved in over 11 murder and attempted murder cases. He had gone into hiding during the Karachi operation to evade arrest.

The suspect had previously been arrested in 2020 by the Kalakot police and in 2023 by the Shah Faisal police, but was released on bail and subsequently went into hiding.

He remained absconding in multiple registered cases and was declared a proclaimed offender by the court.

Officials said the arrested man was also in contact with Lyari gang war commander Taj Muhammad Tajo, currently believed to be abroad. He was handed over to police for initiation of legal proceedings.