Allegations of Corruption and Extortion Rock DIG West Office in Karachi
Karachi – The DIG West office, once envisioned as a symbol of public service, has now allegedly become a hub of corruption and extortion, where even police officers are said to be at the mercy of a junior clerk named Rehan, who is accused of running an unauthorized parallel system within the department.
Sources claim that in the DIG West office, not even a Station House Officer (SHO) can be appointed without Rehan’s approval. Described as a self-styled “Office Superintendent,” Rehan allegedly acts as the de facto authority in the department, reducing senior officers to mere figureheads. Insiders reveal that he runs a deeply rooted bribery network that affects both civilians and police personnel alike.
Rehan's alleged influence is reminiscent of the tenure of former SSP Falak Khurshid, who was once seen as the shadow ruler of the department. Under Khurshid’s command, two officers, Murtaza and Waheed, reportedly supervised all illicit activities, including overseeing illegal gambling dens through so-called “special parties.” Rehan appears to have revived and restructured similar practices, but this time, allegedly under his sole command.
The situation is no better at the DSP West office. Multiple sources allege that the DIG office has transformed from a public service institution into an extortion racket. The extent of Rehan’s influence is such that SHO appointments reportedly require bribes, euphemistically referred to as “presenting offerings at the court of Rehan.” These bribes are allegedly collected weekly or monthly, with modern methods like mobile money transfers (e.g., Easypaisa) being used for collection.
Beyond appointments, Rehan is said to have seized control of all fuel cards for police patrol vehicles in the West Zone. This has reportedly led to a critical shortage of fuel for police mobiles, severely impacting patrolling duties. As a consequence, street crimes in the area have surged, leaving residents vulnerable and unprotected.
Officers who wished to remain anonymous expressed their frustration with the situation, stating that even internal departmental matters, such as issuing show-cause notices, cannot proceed without Rehan’s alleged approval and bribe. His audacity has reportedly reached a level where he disregards high-ranking officers with impunity.
One SHO, under condition of anonymity, remarked, “Most of the department has experienced the wrath of the so-called 'B Company' (a term for corruption operatives), but Rehan seems immune and untouched.”
The unrest within the department has reached a boiling point. Some senior officials have reportedly considered internal action to address the growing discontent. They urge the Inspector General of Police, who reportedly places great trust in the Special Branch, to initiate an independent investigation into the matter.
Until then, as one insider poignantly noted, the DIG West office stands as a grim example of the verse:
“Whom should we ask for justice, and whom should we app