Sukkur –Report Danish Rajput
A harrowing incident has come to light from the Pano Aqil area, where a poor laborer named Imran Qureshi has reportedly become the victim of severe police brutality, allegedly under pressure from powerful local moneylenders. According to family sources, Imran’s condition is currently critical, as he suffered a heart attack while in police custody due to intense torture.

The victim’s brother, Muhammad Yousuf, addressed a press conference at the Sukkur National Press Club, where he made an urgent plea to the higher authorities for immediate justice and protection. In his detailed statement, Yousuf accused the Pano Aqil Police of illegally detaining and torturing his innocent brother at the behest of influential moneylenders, namely Ashiq Dayo and Farhan Dayo.

Allegations Against Police and Moneylenders

During the press briefing, Muhammad Yousuf alleged that Ashiq and Farhan Dayo—well-known moneylenders in the Pano Aqil area—used their influence to instigate the local police against Imran. Acting on their instructions, the police allegedly arrested Imran without a warrant or legal basis and detained him in the lockup at Pano Aqil Police Station.

According to Yousuf, Imran was subjected to inhumane physical torture while in custody. The brutal treatment left him in a state of medical emergency, ultimately leading to a cardiac arrest. Initially, he was rushed to the Taluka Hospital in Pano Aqil for emergency treatment. However, as his condition deteriorated rapidly, the doctors referred him to the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD) Hospital in Sukkur for specialized care.

Family Claims Imran is Innocent

Imran’s family members are adamant that he is completely innocent and has no association with any unlawful activities. They allege that the only reason he was targeted was due to a personal financial dispute related to high-interest loans (usury). Imran, a hardworking laborer, had apparently refused to comply with the oppressive terms set by the moneylenders, which led to retaliation in the form of a fake police case and custodial violence.

Speaking through tears, his brother Muhammad Yousuf said:

“My brother is a daily wage earner. He has done nothing wrong. Just because he stood up to exploitative moneylenders, he was picked up and tortured. This is a clear abuse of power, and we demand immediate accountability.”

Call for Justice and High-Level Intervention

The press conference was not just an appeal—it was a cry for help from a family shattered by injustice. Yousuf directly appealed to the Inspector General of Sindh Police, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sukkur, and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sukkur to take immediate notice of the incident.

The family demanded a transparent and impartial investigation into the case. They emphasized that legal action must be taken not only against the accused moneylenders Ashiq Dayo and Farhan Dayo, but also against the Station House Officer (SHO) of Pano Aqil Police Station and the officers directly involved in the custodial abuse.

They warned that if Imran Qureshi’s health worsens or if he dies as a result of the torture, the responsibility will lie entirely on these individuals. The family further highlighted the broader issue of how the poor are often victimized by powerful people who operate above the law with police support.

“We are poor and powerless people. We cannot fight such influential individuals alone. Our only hope lies in justice, and we urge the government and judiciary to stand with us,” Yousuf said.

A Broader Issue of Usury and Police Collusion

This incident sheds light on a broader and deeply rooted problem in rural and semi-urban parts of Pakistan—the unchecked operations of illegal moneylenders and their alleged nexus with law enforcement agencies. Many low-income individuals fall prey to such exploitative systems, often ending up harassed, detained, or worse when they are unable to repay the loans at exorbitant interest rates.

Social activists and legal experts are now calling for stricter enforcement of anti-usury laws and better oversight of police conduct in such cases. They argue that unless systemic reforms are introduced, cases like Imran’s will continue to emerge.

Public Reactions and Growing Pressure

Following the press conference, human rights organizations in Sukkur and nearby areas have begun mobilizing support for the victim’s family. Protests are being planned outside the SSP Office and the Sindh Assembly. Legal aid groups have also offered to represent the family in court free of cost.

Civil society members are also urging the provincial government to suspend the involved officers immediately and ensure the victim’s medical treatment is fully covered by the state.

Conclusion

The Imran Qureshi case stands as a painful reminder of the injustices suffered by the poor in the face of systemic corruption and abuse of power. As the victim battles for his life in a hospital bed, his family continues their fight for justice—not just for Imran, but for countless others who suffer in silence.

It is now up to the government, law enforcement authorities, and the judiciary to ensure that justice is not delayed or denied, and that those responsible—regardless of status or influence—are held accountable under the law.