Former Karachi Traffic Police Chief Pir Muhammad Shah is under formal investigation over allegations of influence, kidnapping, and extortion of a local businessman, investigation officials confirmed on Monday.
Officials said Jawed Akhtar Odho, the Inspector General of Sindh Police, has sought a written explanation from Shah. The case dates back to December 19, 2025, when Shah registered a complaint seeking recovery of more than Rs 310 million from the businessman.
On January 14, 2026, a police team from Hyderabad arrived in Karachi and took the businessman into custody. Traders later intervened, leading to his release. On January 22, the businessman filed a counter First Information Report (FIR) at the Gizri Police Station.
In the FIR, the complainant said armed men abducted him near his residence in DHA Phase VI. Two suspects wore police-style uniforms and arrived in a white vehicle. The abductors demanded more than Rs 310 million and later called his home seeking a Rs 300 million ransom. The businessman said the suspects released him near a highway around 11:30 PM after he paid Rs 1 million.
The kidnapping of Karachi businessman #Danish Mateen has exposed a dangerous abuse of power within Sindh Police.
Official inquiries linked the case to DIG Traffic #Pir Muhammad Shah, who was removed from his post but removal is not accountability.
This was an alleged case of… pic.twitter.com/r1KVrdjTan
— Dr. Danish (official) (@DrDanish5) February 1, 2026Hyderabad police confirmed the suspension of three officers, including one Assistant Sub-Inspector and two constables. Authorities removed them from duty pending the outcome of the investigation.
Officials said the probe continues and focuses on alleged abuse of authority, unlawful detention, and extortion. The investigation follows Shah’s recent removal as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Traffic, Karachi. A notification issued on January 29, 2026, appointed Mazhar Nawaz Sheikh as his replacement.
Sources linked Shah’s removal to traffic mismanagement during the Gul Plaza fire earlier this month. Severe congestion reportedly delayed fire and rescue vehicles. The blaze claimed at least 80 lives.
Shah gained prominence after launching the Traffic Regulation and Citation System (TRACS) on October 27, 2025. The AI-based e-challan system aimed to curb violations such as speeding and signal breaches. However, critics questioned the rollout, citing Karachi’s limited road infrastructure and enforcement gaps.
