An alleged network is charging inmates at the Central Jail in Karachi for WhatsApp calls and special prison facilities.
Media reports said that wealthy businesspeople held at the jail have been paying substantial sums to communicate with family members, lawyers and friends through WhatsApp. Mobile phone networks are unavailable inside the facility, and the Wi-Fi installed in the jail is reportedly used to make the calls.
The minimum alleged charge for such a call is Rs15,000.
A group allegedly led by Rizwan Memon, also known as Rizwan Ganja, plays a significant role in arranging special facilities for certain inmates. The group is alleged to facilitate preferential treatment for members of the Memon community arrested in connection with hawala and hundi transactions, gutka smuggling and business disputes.
According to the reports, the group recently received Rs2.5 million to secure B-class facilities for a builder from the Memon community. A further Rs250,000 was allegedly charged to arrange a three-minute WhatsApp conversation between the builder and another individual.
The allegations extend beyond phone calls. Inmates associated with Rizwan Memon allegedly receive VIP treatment during visits from family members and other visitors. The group is also accused of collecting millions of rupees to arrange the transfer of inmates to the jail hospital or to special wards at Jinnah Hospital.
Central Jail Superintendent Abdul Karim Abbasi reportedly expressed ignorance of such activities. He stated that the WhatsApp password is changed every week to prevent misuse. The allegations made in the media reports have not been independently verified.