KARACHI: Police on Sunday claimed to have arrested nine suspects during a raid at the residence of Pakistan Sunni Tehreek (PST) chairman Sarwat Ejaz Qadri late on Saturday night.

Special Investigation Unit (SIU) SSP Imran Khan told a press briefing that the action was taken on a lead provided by held suspect Rehanuddin.

He said the police also recovered nine weapons, including G-3 rifles, sub-machine guns and pistols.

He clarified that PST chief Qadri was neither wanted by police nor arrested. He also said police had found no evidence linking the suspects to any political party.

About the suspects, he said they were part of an “extremely wanted and dangerous extortion network being run by Wasiullah Lakho and Abdul Samad Kathiawari, both currently hiding abroad”.

The SSP added that a total of 17 individuals were taken into custody during the operation, out of which eight were found to have previous criminal records.

Replying to a question, SSP Khan said that action would be taken against anyone found to have provided shelter or assistance to the suspects.

Meanwhile, PST leaders alleged that police had violated the sanctity of Qadri House. They claimed that the weapons recovered from the house were licensed and legal.

Speaking at a press conference, they said if any worker had been involved in a crime, the party would have cooperated with law enforcement agencies.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2025