Traders surround FBR team in Saddar

May 20, 2026 (MLN): A five-member FBR team arrived at Saddar's Sarafa Bazar under the supervision of an Assistant Commissioner to monitor a jeweller's stock, sales, and production, carrying an official notice for the purpose.

The team, which included an officer, two auditors, and a constable, came in plain clothes without introducing themselves.

The incident comes amid already heightened tensions in Karachi's jewellery trade.

Earlier, traders at Karachi Jewellers Centre had staged a fierce protest against an alleged illegal FIA raid, forcing all shops to shut down completely.

The Jewellers Association declared the operation unlawful and demanded an immediate end to harassment.

However, just two days later, the trade body struck a conciliatory tone, reaffirming full support for the FIA in its fight against smuggling and money laundering, following a meeting with the FIA Karachi Zone Director, who assured that legitimate traders would be protected and action taken only against those involved in illegal activities.

Despite that understanding, fresh tensions erupted when the FBR team entered a jeweller's shop, a large number of traders gathered at the scene and surrounded the team in protest.

During the confrontation, an identity card was shown to the traders.

With tensions running high and traders refusing to stand down, the FBR team was forced to leave without completing its work, according to media reports.

Traders in the area remain enraged over what they describe as violence against jewellers following the FIA and FBR actions in Saddar.

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