KARACHI: Pakistan Rangers Sindh on Friday night claimed to have arrested two suspected extortionists from Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area of Karachi.

According to a statement issued by the paramilitary force, two people belonging to a banned outfit were arrested for extorting people in the name of 'Fitra'.

The two suspects, Mohammed Ilyas and Mohammed Yasir, were arrested during a raid. Statement claimed raid was conducted after receiving information from a 'peaceful citizen'.

Rangers in Karachi had appealed to the citizens to help identify criminals. suspected terrorists and extortionists in their vicinity through their WhatsApp, email and helpline number.

Karachi operation

The ‘operation’ against criminal elements in Pakistan’s commercial hub was initiated back in September 2013 after the federal cabinet empowered Rangers to lead a targeted advance with the support of police against criminals already identified by federal military and civilian agencies for their alleged involvement in targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, extortion and terrorism in Karachi.

A high-level apex committee meeting chaired by the Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif on May 14, 2015 decided to implement effective policing and surveillance in the "vast suburbs of Karachi", to prevent what the military spokesperson said were "sneaking terrorist attacks"