Karachi: Justice Kausar Sultana of Sindh High Court (SHC) has criticised effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in Karachi during hearing concerning abduction of industrialist Zulfiqar Ahmed.

Ahmed, who was seized by masked gunmen from Mauripur Road on July 23, was forcibly taken along with his friend Qaiser, who was later released. Addressing court, Justice Sultana expressed frustration over substantial expenditure on law enforcement, questioning value of such spending in light of city’s current security issues. She remarked that given circumstances, it might be more beneficial if country had no security forces at all. Judge highlighted broader law and order problems, noting that citizens are increasingly hiring private security and closing their bank accounts out of fear. She questioned whether law enforcement agencies were more powerful than criminals they are meant to combat, warning that legal action would be taken against any police officer if another abduction occurred. During hearing, Assistant Prosecutor General of Sindh suggested that case was now merely about missing person, prompting Justice Sultana to question whether it involved kidnapping for ransom.

Counsel for petitioner, Amber Zulfiqar, explained that her husband was abducted from Karachi and later found in Lahore. Justice Sultana raised concerns about effectiveness of police and Rangers, given their significant budget and inquired about the progress of investigation. Investigation officer reported that no statements had been taken from petitioner’s side and that police had not yet registered case, citing various excuses. Last week, Amber Zulfiqar had filed petition seeking her husband’s recovery, revealing that he was prominent businessman and managing director of several companies. Kalri Police has since registered an FIR against eight suspects involved in kidnapping, with two high-powered teams led by senior officers tasked with investigation.