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'''Sardar Abdul Rehman Baloch''' ({{langx|ur|{{Nastaliq|عبدالرحمن بلوچ}}}}, 1975 – 9 August 2009), known by the alias '''Rehman Dakait''' ({{langx|ur|{{Nastaliq|رحمان ڈکیت}}}}), was a Pakistani gangster based in [[Karachi]]'s [[Lyari]] neighbourhood who formed the [[Peoples' Aman Committee]] which was affiliated with the [[Pakistan People's Party]].<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=18 July 2010 |title=Kingdom of fear |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/27844/kingdom-of-fear |access-date=25 May 2022 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> The [[Government of Sindh]] had set a reward of {{PKR|5 million|link=yes}} on his head. Rehman was accused of being involved in more than one hundred crimes. He was wanted for several serious crimes including [[dacoity]], [[murder]] and [[attempted murder]], drug trafficking, kidnapping for ransom, and illegal arms trafficking.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Dhurandhar: Real-life Uzair Baloch inherited Rehman Dakait's gang after his encounter; played football with gangster Arshad Pappu's severed head |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/dhurandhar-real-life-uzair-baloch-inherited-rehman-dakait-gang-revenge-after-encounter-10426686/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=19 December 2025 |language=en |date=19 December 2025}}</ref>
'''Sardar Abdul Rehman Baloch''' ({{langx|ur|{{Nastaliq|عبدالرحمن بلوچ}}}}; 1975 – 9 August 2009), widely known by his alias '''Rehman Dakait''' ({{langx|ur|{{Nastaliq|رحمان ڈکیت}}}}), was a notorious Pakistani gangster who operated in the [[Lyari]] area of [[Karachi]]. He was the founder of the [[Peoples' Aman Committee]], a group that had affiliations with the [[Pakistan People's Party]].<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=18 July 2010 |title=Kingdom of fear |url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/27844/kingdom-of-fear |access-date=25 May 2022 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> The [[Government of Sindh]] had announced a bounty of {{PKR|5 million|link=yes}} for his capture. Rehman faced accusations of involvement in over a hundred criminal activities and was a wanted man for severe offenses such as [[dacoity]], [[murder]], drug trafficking, kidnapping for ransom, and illegal arms dealing.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Dhurandhar: Real-life Uzair Baloch inherited Rehman Dakait's gang after his encounter; played football with gangster Arshad Pappu's severed head |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/dhurandhar-real-life-uzair-baloch-inherited-rehman-dakait-gang-revenge-after-encounter-10426686/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=19 December 2025 |language=en |date=19 December 2025}}</ref>


== Early life and background ==
== Early life and background ==
<!-- Do not change without citing a reliable source -->Rehman was born in 1975 in [[Lyari]], [[Karachi]] in the Pakistani province of [[Sindh]] to [[Baloch people|Iranian Balochi]] [[Haji Abu Da'ad Muhammad]] known by the alias 'Dadal' and his third wife Khadija Bibi.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2009-08-10 |title=سردار، ڈکیت یا سیاستدان |trans-title=Chieftain, dacoit or politician |url=https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/2009/08/090810_rehman_dacoit_profile_zee |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=[[BBC Urdu]] |language=ur}}</ref> Iqbal "Babu" Dakait later claimed to be Rehman's biological father.<ref name=":1" />
<!-- Do not change without citing a reliable source -->
Rehman was born in 1975 in [[Lyari]], [[Karachi]], situated in the Pakistani province of [[Sindh]]. He was the son of [[Baloch people|Iranian Balochi]] [[Haji Abu Da'ad Muhammad]] (popularly known as 'Dadal') and his third wife, Khadija Bibi.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2009-08-10 |title=سردار، ڈکیت یا سیاستدان |trans-title=Chieftain, dacoit or politician |url=https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan/2009/08/090810_rehman_dacoit_profile_zee |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=[[BBC Urdu]] |language=ur}}</ref> Later, Iqbal "Babu" Dakait claimed to be Rehman's biological father.<ref name=":1" />


Lyari is one of the most populous, oldest and least developed localities of Karachi with the majority of the population being of Baloch origin (others include [[Kutchi people|Kutchi]] [[Gujaratis]], [[Sindhis]], and [[Urdu-speaking Muhajirs]]). Lyari became home to crime shortly after [[Partition of India|Pakistan's independence in 1947]].<ref name=":1" />
Being one of Karachi's oldest, most densely populated, and underdeveloped areas, Lyari has a predominantly Baloch population, alongside [[Kutchi people|Kutchi]] [[Gujaratis]], [[Sindhis]], and [[Urdu-speaking Muhajirs]]. The area became a hub for crime soon after the [[Partition of India|independence of Pakistan in 1947]].<ref name=":1" />


Dadal and his brother, Sher Muhammad {{Aka}} Sheru, were [[petty criminal]]s involved in drug smuggling since 1964.<ref name=":02"/> They came up against Kala Nag who dominated the Lyari drug trade and underworld.<ref name=":1" /> Kala Nag was killed in the 1970s during a [[police chase]] (he jumped from a building while running from the police). Dadal and Sheru now resumed their drug peddling without major competition and eventually died natural deaths.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Life comes full circle for Lyari's mafiosi |url=https://newslab.tribune.com.pk/life-comes-full-circle-for-lyaris-mafiosi/ |access-date=25 May 2022 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Daily News |url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=94707 |website=[[The News International]]}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=20 November 2008 |title=The Legend of Rahman Dakait & Lyari Gang War |url=http://www.sindhtimes.com/news/121/ARTICLE/2091/2008-11-20.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325220702/http://www.sindhtimes.com/news/121/ARTICLE/2091/2008-11-20.html |archive-date=2009-03-25 |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=Sindh Times}}</ref>
Dadal and his brother, Sher Muhammad (alias Sheru), were [[petty criminal]]s who had been involved in drug smuggling since 1964.<ref name=":02"/> Their operations clashed with those of Kala Nag, who controlled the Lyari drug trade at the time.<ref name=":1" /> Following Kala Nag's death in the 1970s during a [[police chase]], Dadal and Sheru resumed their drug peddling without major rivals until their natural deaths.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Life comes full circle for Lyari's mafiosi |url=https://newslab.tribune.com.pk/life-comes-full-circle-for-lyaris-mafiosi/ |access-date=25 May 2022 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Daily News |url=http://www.thenews.com.pk/daily_detail.asp?id=94707 |website=[[The News International]]}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=20 November 2008 |title=The Legend of Rahman Dakait & Lyari Gang War |url=http://www.sindhtimes.com/news/121/ARTICLE/2091/2008-11-20.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090325220702/http://www.sindhtimes.com/news/121/ARTICLE/2091/2008-11-20.html |archive-date=2009-03-25 |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=Sindh Times}}</ref>


==Criminal activities==
==Criminal activities==
===Gang wars===
===Gang wars===
Haji Lal Mohammad {{Aka}} Haji Laloo and Iqbal "Babu" Dakait eventually came to control the Lyari underworld in different areas of the locality (often threatening local residents for loyalty). Allah Baksh {{Aka}} Kala Nag II, the son of Kala Nag, joined the Babu Dakait Gang and the two worked together against Laloo. Kala Nag II was arrested in 1991 and remains imprisoned.<ref name=":1" />
Eventually, Haji Lal Mohammad (alias Haji Laloo) and Iqbal "Babu" Dakait took control of different sections of the Lyari underworld. They frequently intimidated locals to ensure loyalty. Allah Baksh (alias Kala Nag II), son of Kala Nag, allied with the Babu Dakait Gang against Laloo. Kala Nag II was arrested in 1991 and remains imprisoned.<ref name=":1" />


Illegal arms entered Lyari and Karachi amid the [[Afghan jihad]] in the 1980s, and petty drug peddlers, now armed, started extortion as another means of income with the gang wars heating up.<ref name=":1" /> Rehman joined the Laloo Gang during this time. He had started peddling drugs from a young age and is said to have had a man stabbed when he was just 13.<ref name=":02"/>
During the 1980s, the [[Afghan jihad]] led to an influx of illegal arms into Karachi and Lyari. Armed drug peddlers began using extortion as a new revenue stream, escalating the gang conflicts.<ref name=":1" /> Rehman joined the Laloo Gang during this period, having started drug peddling early on. He was reportedly involved in a stabbing incident at the young age of 13.<ref name=":02"/>


Haji Laloo and Babu Dakait started making [[Hit (crime)|hits]] on each other. While Babu Dakait hired Hanif Bajola, a [[contract killer]] to kill Laloo, the latter trained Rehman to kill Babu.<ref name=":1" />
The rivalry between Haji Laloo and Babu Dakait led to mutual assassination attempts. Babu hired a [[contract killer]] named Hanif Bajola to eliminate Laloo, while Laloo trained Rehman to kill Babu.<ref name=":1" />


According to the [[Sindh Police]], Rehman killed his mother on 18 September 1995 with local news reporting that this was his first murder. Rumours say that he murdered his mother in a fit of rage; when he went to make a hit on Babu Dakait, the latter told Rehman that he had an affair with his mother and was his real father.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />
According to the [[Sindh Police]], Rehman committed his first murder on 18 September 1995—killing his own mother. Rumors suggest this happened in a fit of rage after Babu Dakait allegedly told Rehman that he had an affair with his mother and was his real father.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />


Babu Dakait eventually lost four of his sons in the ensuing gangwar. In 1996, he suffered a paralytic stroke and was arrested. In the same year, Rehman Dakait and Yasser Arafat (Haji Laloo's son) were also arrested. Arshad Pappu, another son of Laloo, was also a member of the Laloo Gang but kept a low profile.<ref name=":1" />
The ongoing gang war resulted in the deaths of four of Babu Dakait's sons. In 1996, Babu suffered a paralytic stroke and was arrested, along with Rehman and Yasser Arafat (Laloo's son). Arshad Pappu, another son of Laloo, was also part of the gang but maintained a low profile.<ref name=":1" />


===Drug trade and other crimes===
===Drug trade and other crimes===
In 1997, Rehman escaped police custody while being taken to a [[court hearing]]. After the escape, the Laloo Gang expanded its criminal activities from drugs to extortion, contract killing and [[kidnapping]]. The Laloo Gang splintered when members started double-crossing each other in illegal deals. Haji Laloo cut Rehman out from the kidnapping ransom of Saleem Memon from [[Kharadar]]. In another instance, Faiz Mohammad {{Aka}} Faizoo, a transporter and friend of Rehman, was killed by Laloo's son Arshad Pappu after he refused to pay him extortion money.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2006 |title=Story |url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006\12\20\story_20-12-2006_pg12_1 |website=[[Daily Pakistan]]}}</ref>
Rehman managed to escape police custody in 1997 while being transported to a court hearing. Following his escape, the Laloo Gang expanded its operations from drug trafficking to extortion, contract killing, and [[kidnapping]]. However, internal betrayals soon caused the gang to splinter. Haji Laloo excluded Rehman from the ransom money obtained from kidnapping Saleem Memon in [[Kharadar]]. In another incident, a transporter and Rehman's friend, Faiz Mohammad (alias Faizoo), was murdered by Laloo's son Arshad Pappu for refusing to pay extortion money.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2006 |title=Story |url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006\12\20\story_20-12-2006_pg12_1 |website=[[Daily Pakistan]]}}</ref>


After Haji Laloo's arrest in 2001, the Laloo Gang splintered into the Rehman Dakait's Baloch Gang and Arshad Pappu' Pathan gang.<ref name=":02"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rehman Dakait and Arshad Pappu : Lyari Gang War |url=http://www.pakspectator.com:80/rehman-dakait-and-arshad-pappu-lyari-gang-war/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100506021649/http://www.pakspectator.com:80/rehman-dakait-and-arshad-pappu-lyari-gang-war/ |archive-date=2010-05-06 |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=The Pakistani Spectator |language=en-US}}</ref>
When Haji Laloo was arrested in 2001, his gang split into two factions: the Baloch Gang led by Rehman Dakait, and the Pathan gang led by Arshad Pappu.<ref name=":02"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rehman Dakait and Arshad Pappu : Lyari Gang War |url=http://www.pakspectator.com:80/rehman-dakait-and-arshad-pappu-lyari-gang-war/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100506021649/http://www.pakspectator.com:80/rehman-dakait-and-arshad-pappu-lyari-gang-war/ |archive-date=2010-05-06 |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=The Pakistani Spectator |language=en-US}}</ref>


After the split, Rehman rapidly expanded his influence outside Lyari towards [[Malir]] and [[Korangi]] and he was competing with other underworld gangs in the city (including those [[MQM violence (1994–2016)|associated with the MQM]]).<ref name=":4" />
Post-split, Rehman quickly expanded his territory beyond Lyari into [[Malir]] and [[Korangi]], competing with other underworld groups in Karachi, including those linked to the [[MQM violence (1994–2016)|MQM]].<ref name=":4" /> He was implicated in over 80 criminal cases, with his mentor Haji Laloo helping him secure bail in many of them.<ref name=":1" />
 
Rehman was reportedly involved in over 80 criminal cases, many of which he had been bailed out of by his mentor Haji Laloo.<ref name=":1" />


==Politics==
==Politics==
Around 2008, Rehman started introducing himself as [[Sardar]] Abdul Rehman Baloch and became a political figure in Lyari. He established and was the supervisor of the [[Peoples Aman Committee]] of Lyari, ostensibly to control the decades-old gangwar and to ensure "peacekeeping." Though it was also involved in criminal activities including securing territorial control for Rehman's gang, extortion etc.<ref name=":4" />
By 2008, Rehman had begun presenting himself as [[Sardar]] Abdul Rehman Baloch and emerged as a political figure in Lyari. He established the [[Peoples Aman Committee]] to ostensibly end the long-standing gang war and maintain "peace." However, the committee was also allegedly involved in criminal activities, such as securing territorial control for his gang and extortion.<ref name=":4" />


He associated himself with the then ruling [[Pakistan People's Party]] (PPP).<ref name=":4" /> His growing power in Lyari made him influential in local [[Politics of Karachi|Karachi politics]], business circles and the PPP political structure in Karachi. The Aman Committee enjoyed political patronage of the PPP, although the party's leadership officially denied any connection.<ref name=":4" /> He arranged his gang members to act as human shield for Benazir Bhutto.
He aligned himself with the ruling [[Pakistan People's Party]] (PPP).<ref name=":4" /> His growing influence in Lyari made him a significant player in local [[Politics of Karachi|Karachi politics]], business circles, and the PPP's political structure. Despite the PPP leadership officially denying any connection, the Aman Committee reportedly enjoyed the party's political patronage. Rehman even deployed his gang members to act as human shields for Benazir Bhutto.


After his death, the leadership of the Aman Committee and Baloch gang was led by his cousin [[Uzair Baloch]].<ref name=":4" />
Following his death, the leadership of the Aman Committee and the Baloch gang transitioned to his cousin, [[Uzair Baloch]].<ref name=":4" />


==Arrest and death==
==Arrest and death==
{{see also|Operation Lyari}}
{{see also|Operation Lyari}}
With the [[Sindh Police]] unable to end the gangwars and crime in Lyari, a designated "Industrial Crime Unit" was established in 2004 but failed to achieve its objectives and was disbanded in November 2005. It was replaced by the "[[Operation Lyari|Lyari Task Force]]".<ref name=":1" />
As the [[Sindh Police]] struggled to curb the gang wars and crime in Lyari, they established an "Industrial Crime Unit" in 2004. However, it failed to achieve its goals and was disbanded by November 2005, replaced by the "[[Operation Lyari|Lyari Task Force]]".<ref name=":1" />


Rehman was arrested in November, 2008 in Jinnah Town, [[Quetta]] and his arrest was followed by protests outside the [[Karachi Press Club]].<ref name=":1" /> He later escaped from police custody.<ref name=":3" />
Rehman was arrested in November 2008 in Jinnah Town, [[Quetta]], which sparked protests outside the [[Karachi Press Club]].<ref name=":1" /> He later managed to escape police custody.<ref name=":3" />


On 9 August 2009, Rehman and his companions Aqeel Baloch, Aurangzaib Baba and Nazir Bala were again intercepted by [[Superintendent of Police|SP]] [[Chaudhry Aslam Khan]] and his police party. A shootout ensued late in the night in which Rehman and his accomplices were grievously injured. They died en route to the hospital.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2009-08-11 |title=Question mark over killing of Lyari 'gangster' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/879926/question-mark-over-killing-of-lyari-gangster |access-date=2025-12-13 |website=Dawn |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-08-10 |title=Rehman Dakait, three others killed in Karachi: police |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/880192/rehman-dakait-three-others-killed-in-karachi-police |access-date=2025-12-13 |website=Dawn |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Radhika |date=16 December 2025 |title=Dhurandhar: How Rehman Dakait Was Killed By Chaudhry Aslam After A Years-Long Chase Through Lyari |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/dhurandhar-how-rehman-dakait-was-killed-by-chaudhry-aslam-after-a-years-long-chase-through-lyari-9824521 |website=NDTV}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rehman Dakait, three others killed in Karachi: police |url=http://www.dawn.com:80/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/metropolitan/07-rehman-dakait-three-others-killed-in-karachi-police-ha-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917030354/http://www.dawn.com:80/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/metropolitan/07-rehman-dakait-three-others-killed-in-karachi-police-ha-02 |archive-date=2009-09-17 |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=Dawn}}</ref> His death was alleged to be a [[fake police encounter]] ([[extrajudicial killing]]).<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> Pakistani politician [[Zulfiqar Mirza]] has said that he was responsible for getting Rehman killed and regretted his action.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2011-09-04 |title=Mirza interview: The hits just keep on coming |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/244537/mirza-interview-the-hits-just-keep-on-coming |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Aslam was known for being the only surviving police officer from the anti-crime "[[Operation Cleanup]]" of the 1990s, against the [[Muttahida Qaumi Movement – London|Muhajir Qaumi Movement]], with other police officers who had participated in this operation being killed in subsequent [[Targeted killings in Pakistan|target killings]] by MQM-affiliated militants.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="CA22">{{cite news |title=Profile: Chaudhry Aslam |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1079408/profile-chaudhry-aslam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109135602/http://www.dawn.com/news/1079408/profile-chaudhry-aslam |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 January 2014 |access-date=9 January 2014 |newspaper=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref>
On 9 August 2009, [[Superintendent of Police|SP]] [[Chaudhry Aslam Khan]] and his police team intercepted Rehman and his associates—Aqeel Baloch, Aurangzaib Baba, and Nazir Bala. A late-night shootout ensued, leaving Rehman and his accomplices severely injured; they died before reaching the hospital.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2009-08-11 |title=Question mark over killing of Lyari 'gangster' |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/879926/question-mark-over-killing-of-lyari-gangster |access-date=2025-12-13 |website=Dawn |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-08-10 |title=Rehman Dakait, three others killed in Karachi: police |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/880192/rehman-dakait-three-others-killed-in-karachi-police |access-date=2025-12-13 |website=Dawn |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Radhika |date=16 December 2025 |title=Dhurandhar: How Rehman Dakait Was Killed By Chaudhry Aslam After A Years-Long Chase Through Lyari |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/dhurandhar-how-rehman-dakait-was-killed-by-chaudhry-aslam-after-a-years-long-chase-through-lyari-9824521 |website=NDTV}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Rehman Dakait, three others killed in Karachi: police |url=http://www.dawn.com:80/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/metropolitan/07-rehman-dakait-three-others-killed-in-karachi-police-ha-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917030354/http://www.dawn.com:80/wps/wcm/connect/dawn-content-library/dawn/news/pakistan/metropolitan/07-rehman-dakait-three-others-killed-in-karachi-police-ha-02 |archive-date=2009-09-17 |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=Dawn}}</ref> His death was widely alleged to be a [[fake police encounter]] ([[extrajudicial killing]]).<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> Pakistani politician [[Zulfiqar Mirza]] later stated that he was responsible for orchestrating Rehman's death and expressed regret over it.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2011-09-04 |title=Mirza interview: The hits just keep on coming |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/244537/mirza-interview-the-hits-just-keep-on-coming |access-date=2025-12-18 |website=The Express Tribune |language=en}}</ref> Aslam was renowned for being the sole surviving officer from the anti-crime "[[Operation Cleanup]]" of the 1990s against the [[Muttahida Qaumi Movement – London|Muhajir Qaumi Movement]], as other participating officers were killed in subsequent [[Targeted killings in Pakistan|targeted attacks]] by MQM-affiliated militants.<ref name=":4" /><ref name="CA22">{{cite news |title=Profile: Chaudhry Aslam |url=http://www.dawn.com/news/1079408/profile-chaudhry-aslam |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109135602/http://www.dawn.com/news/1079408/profile-chaudhry-aslam |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 January 2014 |access-date=9 January 2014 |newspaper=[[Dawn (newspaper)|Dawn]]}}</ref>


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==
After Rehman's death, the situation in Lyari became tense. Thousands of people attended his funeral in Lyari, where he is viewed as a [[Robin Hood]]-like figure rather than as a criminal (known for distributing the wealth earned from his criminal activities among the poor of Lyari).<ref name=":3" />
Rehman's death created a tense atmosphere in Lyari. His funeral was attended by thousands of people, many of whom regard him as a [[Robin Hood]]-like figure. He is remembered by some for distributing wealth from his criminal enterprises among the impoverished residents of Lyari.<ref name=":3" />


Under Rehman's cousin [[Uzair Baloch]], the [[People's Aman Committee|People's Aman Committee]] was strengthened even further in both political and criminal spheres before his eventual arrest in 2015.<ref name=":4" />
Under the leadership of his cousin [[Uzair Baloch]], the [[People's Aman Committee|People's Aman Committee]] expanded its political and criminal influence further, until Uzair's arrest in 2015.<ref name=":4" />


In March 2024, one of Rehman's sons, Sarban Baloch, along with his accomplice Maqsood, were shot dead in south Karachi in the old city near Nabi Bux police station. The police said that Sarban was wanted in several criminal cases, including cases of murder, drug trade, kidnapping for ransom and extortion''.'' Sarban was from Rehman's second wife who had three more sons from Rehman. She had married a local construction worker after Rehman's death.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ali |first=Imtiaz |date=2024-03-12 |title=Son of slain gangster Rehman Dakait shot dead in 'encounter' in Karachi |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1820885 |access-date=2026-05-19 |website=Dawn |language=en}}</ref>
In March 2024, Rehman's son Sarban Baloch and his associate Maqsood were shot dead in south Karachi near Nabi Bux police station. Police claimed Sarban was wanted in several cases, including murder, drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion. Sarban was the son of Rehman's second wife, who later married a local construction worker after Rehman's death.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ali |first=Imtiaz |date=2024-03-12 |title=Son of slain gangster Rehman Dakait shot dead in 'encounter' in Karachi |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1820885 |access-date=2026-05-19 |website=Dawn |language=en}}</ref>


On 2 February 2026, Jibran Baloch, another one of Rehman's sons, was arrested in the Kalakot area of Karachi by policemen from the Kalakot Police Station. Police confiscated two pistols along with multiple rounds of ammunition from him during the arrest. He was described by the police as a habitual and professional criminal with a history of arrests in multiple cases.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-02 |title=Rehman Dakait's son arrested in Karachi with illegal weapons |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Crime/933133-rehman-dakait's-son-arrested-in-karachi-with-illegal-weapons |access-date=2026-05-19 |website=dunyanews.tv |language=en}}</ref>
On 2 February 2026, another of Rehman's sons, Jibran Baloch, was arrested by Kalakot Police in Karachi. He was found in possession of two pistols and ammunition. Police described him as a repeat offender with a history of arrests.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-02 |title=Rehman Dakait's son arrested in Karachi with illegal weapons |url=https://dunyanews.tv/en/Crime/933133-rehman-dakait's-son-arrested-in-karachi-with-illegal-weapons |access-date=2026-05-19 |website=dunyanews.tv |language=en}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Like his father Dadal, Rehman also married three times. The number of Rehman's children is said to be around seventeen.<ref name=":4" />
Much like his father Dadal, Rehman also entered into three marriages. It is estimated that he had around seventeen children.<ref name=":4" />


==In popular culture==
==In popular culture==
Rehman has been depicted in the 2025 [[Cinema of India|Indian]] [[Spy film|spy]] [[Action film|action thriller]] [[duology]] ''[[Dhurandhar]]'' (where he has a central character) and ''[[Dhurandhar: The Revenge]]'', based on [[Operation Lyari]] (where he has a cameo appearance in the latter). His character was portrayed by [[Akshaye Khanna]].<ref>{{cite web |date=7 December 2025 |title=Ranveer Singh shares Akshaye Khanna's viral entry song from Dhurandhar, fans call it a 'banger' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/ranveer-singh-shares-akshaye-khannas-viral-entry-song-from-dhurandhar-fans-call-it-a-banger-101765094188770.html |access-date=9 December 2025 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en-in}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite web |title=Dhurandhar: Real-life Rehman Dakait killed mother at 15, was Lyari's 'king' at 21, this is what happened after his encounter |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/dhurandhar-rehman-dakait-real-story-death-what-happened-after-encounter-akshaye-khanna-10419945/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=17 December 2025 |language=en |date=16 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Sonika Nitin Nimje |title=How Akshaye Khanna's Rehman Dakait emerged as Dhurandhar's surprise hero |url=https://www.business-standard.com/entertainment/how-akshaye-khanna-s-role-in-dhurandhar-as-rehman-dakait-became-a-big-hit-nc-125121700879_1.html |website=Business standard |access-date=17 December 2025 |language=en-in}}</ref>
Rehman's life inspired the 2025 [[Cinema of India|Indian]] [[Spy film|spy]] [[Action film|action thriller]] [[duology]] ''[[Dhurandhar]]'' and its sequel ''[[Dhurandhar: The Revenge]]'', both based on [[Operation Lyari]]. He is a central character in the first film and makes a cameo appearance in the second. His character was played by [[Akshaye Khanna]].<ref>{{cite web |date=7 December 2025 |title=Ranveer Singh shares Akshaye Khanna's viral entry song from Dhurandhar, fans call it a 'banger' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/ranveer-singh-shares-akshaye-khannas-viral-entry-song-from-dhurandhar-fans-call-it-a-banger-101765094188770.html |access-date=9 December 2025 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en-in}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite web |title=Dhurandhar: Real-life Rehman Dakait killed mother at 15, was Lyari's 'king' at 21, this is what happened after his encounter |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/dhurandhar-rehman-dakait-real-story-death-what-happened-after-encounter-akshaye-khanna-10419945/ |website=The Indian Express |access-date=17 December 2025 |language=en |date=16 December 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Sonika Nitin Nimje |title=How Akshaye Khanna's Rehman Dakait emerged as Dhurandhar's surprise hero |url=https://www.business-standard.com/entertainment/how-akshaye-khanna-s-role-in-dhurandhar-as-rehman-dakait-became-a-big-hit-nc-125121700879_1.html |website=Business standard |access-date=17 December 2025 |language=en-in}}</ref>


The portrayal of the character of Rahman Dakait in Dhurandhar has evoked all kinds of emotions and reactions in different quarters, with people echoing different perspectives on his actual character and personality.<ref>{{cite web |title=True story of Rehman Dakait: Villain in 'Dhurandhar' who killed mother, turned severed heads into football |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/who-was-rehman-dakait-karachi-gangster-dhurandhar-akshaye-khanna-jkj5dmcv |access-date=2026-04-02 |website=[[Mathtrubhumi]] |language=en-in}}</ref><ref name=":2"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Who was the real 'Rehman Dakait' and what role did he play in 26/11 Mumbai terror attack? |url=https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-was-the-real-rehman-dakait-and-what-role-did-he-play-in-26-11-mumbai-terror-attack-1766826155105 |access-date=2026-04-02|website=WION News |language=en-in}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Real-Life Rehman Dakait And The Pak Town That Spawned Him|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/dhurandhar-akshaye-khanna-rehman-dakait-the-real-life-rahman-dakait-and-the-pak-town-that-spawned-him-9785851 |access-date=2026-04-02 |website=NDTV |language=en-in}}</ref>
The cinematic portrayal of Rehman Dakait in ''Dhurandhar'' has sparked varied emotions and reactions among audiences, leading to widespread discussions about his real-life persona and legacy.<ref>{{cite web |title=True story of Rehman Dakait: Villain in 'Dhurandhar' who killed mother, turned severed heads into football |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/who-was-rehman-dakait-karachi-gangster-dhurandhar-akshaye-khanna-jkj5dmcv |access-date=2026-04-02 |website=[[Mathtrubhumi]] |language=en-in}}</ref><ref name=":2"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Who was the real 'Rehman Dakait' and what role did he play in 26/11 Mumbai terror attack? |url=https://www.wionews.com/photos/who-was-the-real-rehman-dakait-and-what-role-did-he-play-in-26-11-mumbai-terror-attack-1766826155105 |access-date=2026-04-02|website=WION News |language=en-in}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Real-Life Rehman Dakait And The Pak Town That Spawned Him|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/dhurandhar-akshaye-khanna-rehman-dakait-the-real-life-rahman-dakait-and-the-pak-town-that-spawned-him-9785851 |access-date=2026-04-02 |website=NDTV |language=en-in}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

Latest revision as of 06:55, 2 November 2026

Rehman Baloch
Born
Sardar Abdul Rehman Baloch[1]

1975
Lyari, Karachi, Pakistan
DiedAugust 9, 2009(2009-08-09) (aged 33–34)
Steel Town, Karachi, Pakistan
Cause of deathPolice encounter
Other namesRehman Dakait
Khan Bhai
Khan Saheb
Sardar Baloch
OrganizationPeoples' Aman Committee
Known for
SuccessorUzair Baloch
Opponent(s)Arshad Pappu
RelativesUzair Baloch (cousin)
Reward amount
PKR 5 million

Sardar Abdul Rehman Baloch (Urdu: عبدالرحمن بلوچ; 1975 – 9 August 2009), widely known by his alias Rehman Dakait (Urdu: رحمان ڈکیت), was a notorious Pakistani gangster who operated in the Lyari area of Karachi. He was the founder of the Peoples' Aman Committee, a group that had affiliations with the Pakistan People's Party.[1] The Government of Sindh had announced a bounty of Template:PKR for his capture. Rehman faced accusations of involvement in over a hundred criminal activities and was a wanted man for severe offenses such as dacoity, murder, drug trafficking, kidnapping for ransom, and illegal arms dealing.[2][3]

Early life and background[edit | edit source]

Rehman was born in 1975 in Lyari, Karachi, situated in the Pakistani province of Sindh. He was the son of Iranian Balochi Haji Abu Da'ad Muhammad (popularly known as 'Dadal') and his third wife, Khadija Bibi.[2] Later, Iqbal "Babu" Dakait claimed to be Rehman's biological father.[4]

Being one of Karachi's oldest, most densely populated, and underdeveloped areas, Lyari has a predominantly Baloch population, alongside Kutchi Gujaratis, Sindhis, and Urdu-speaking Muhajirs. The area became a hub for crime soon after the independence of Pakistan in 1947.[4]

Dadal and his brother, Sher Muhammad (alias Sheru), were petty criminals who had been involved in drug smuggling since 1964.[1] Their operations clashed with those of Kala Nag, who controlled the Lyari drug trade at the time.[4] Following Kala Nag's death in the 1970s during a police chase, Dadal and Sheru resumed their drug peddling without major rivals until their natural deaths.[5][6][4]

Criminal activities[edit | edit source]

Gang wars[edit | edit source]

Eventually, Haji Lal Mohammad (alias Haji Laloo) and Iqbal "Babu" Dakait took control of different sections of the Lyari underworld. They frequently intimidated locals to ensure loyalty. Allah Baksh (alias Kala Nag II), son of Kala Nag, allied with the Babu Dakait Gang against Laloo. Kala Nag II was arrested in 1991 and remains imprisoned.[4]

During the 1980s, the Afghan jihad led to an influx of illegal arms into Karachi and Lyari. Armed drug peddlers began using extortion as a new revenue stream, escalating the gang conflicts.[4] Rehman joined the Laloo Gang during this period, having started drug peddling early on. He was reportedly involved in a stabbing incident at the young age of 13.[1]

The rivalry between Haji Laloo and Babu Dakait led to mutual assassination attempts. Babu hired a contract killer named Hanif Bajola to eliminate Laloo, while Laloo trained Rehman to kill Babu.[4]

According to the Sindh Police, Rehman committed his first murder on 18 September 1995—killing his own mother. Rumors suggest this happened in a fit of rage after Babu Dakait allegedly told Rehman that he had an affair with his mother and was his real father.[4][7]

The ongoing gang war resulted in the deaths of four of Babu Dakait's sons. In 1996, Babu suffered a paralytic stroke and was arrested, along with Rehman and Yasser Arafat (Laloo's son). Arshad Pappu, another son of Laloo, was also part of the gang but maintained a low profile.[4]

Drug trade and other crimes[edit | edit source]

Rehman managed to escape police custody in 1997 while being transported to a court hearing. Following his escape, the Laloo Gang expanded its operations from drug trafficking to extortion, contract killing, and kidnapping. However, internal betrayals soon caused the gang to splinter. Haji Laloo excluded Rehman from the ransom money obtained from kidnapping Saleem Memon in Kharadar. In another incident, a transporter and Rehman's friend, Faiz Mohammad (alias Faizoo), was murdered by Laloo's son Arshad Pappu for refusing to pay extortion money.[8]

When Haji Laloo was arrested in 2001, his gang split into two factions: the Baloch Gang led by Rehman Dakait, and the Pathan gang led by Arshad Pappu.[1][9]

Post-split, Rehman quickly expanded his territory beyond Lyari into Malir and Korangi, competing with other underworld groups in Karachi, including those linked to the MQM.[2] He was implicated in over 80 criminal cases, with his mentor Haji Laloo helping him secure bail in many of them.[4]

Politics[edit | edit source]

By 2008, Rehman had begun presenting himself as Sardar Abdul Rehman Baloch and emerged as a political figure in Lyari. He established the Peoples Aman Committee to ostensibly end the long-standing gang war and maintain "peace." However, the committee was also allegedly involved in criminal activities, such as securing territorial control for his gang and extortion.[2]

He aligned himself with the ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP).[2] His growing influence in Lyari made him a significant player in local Karachi politics, business circles, and the PPP's political structure. Despite the PPP leadership officially denying any connection, the Aman Committee reportedly enjoyed the party's political patronage. Rehman even deployed his gang members to act as human shields for Benazir Bhutto.

Following his death, the leadership of the Aman Committee and the Baloch gang transitioned to his cousin, Uzair Baloch.[2]

Arrest and death[edit | edit source]

See also: Operation Lyari

As the Sindh Police struggled to curb the gang wars and crime in Lyari, they established an "Industrial Crime Unit" in 2004. However, it failed to achieve its goals and was disbanded by November 2005, replaced by the "Lyari Task Force".[4]

Rehman was arrested in November 2008 in Jinnah Town, Quetta, which sparked protests outside the Karachi Press Club.[4] He later managed to escape police custody.[10]

On 9 August 2009, SP Chaudhry Aslam Khan and his police team intercepted Rehman and his associates—Aqeel Baloch, Aurangzaib Baba, and Nazir Bala. A late-night shootout ensued, leaving Rehman and his accomplices severely injured; they died before reaching the hospital.[10][11][12][13] His death was widely alleged to be a fake police encounter (extrajudicial killing).[10][2] Pakistani politician Zulfiqar Mirza later stated that he was responsible for orchestrating Rehman's death and expressed regret over it.[14] Aslam was renowned for being the sole surviving officer from the anti-crime "Operation Cleanup" of the 1990s against the Muhajir Qaumi Movement, as other participating officers were killed in subsequent targeted attacks by MQM-affiliated militants.[2][15]

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Rehman's death created a tense atmosphere in Lyari. His funeral was attended by thousands of people, many of whom regard him as a Robin Hood-like figure. He is remembered by some for distributing wealth from his criminal enterprises among the impoverished residents of Lyari.[10]

Under the leadership of his cousin Uzair Baloch, the People's Aman Committee expanded its political and criminal influence further, until Uzair's arrest in 2015.[2]

In March 2024, Rehman's son Sarban Baloch and his associate Maqsood were shot dead in south Karachi near Nabi Bux police station. Police claimed Sarban was wanted in several cases, including murder, drug trafficking, kidnapping, and extortion. Sarban was the son of Rehman's second wife, who later married a local construction worker after Rehman's death.[16]

On 2 February 2026, another of Rehman's sons, Jibran Baloch, was arrested by Kalakot Police in Karachi. He was found in possession of two pistols and ammunition. Police described him as a repeat offender with a history of arrests.[17]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Much like his father Dadal, Rehman also entered into three marriages. It is estimated that he had around seventeen children.[2]

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

Rehman's life inspired the 2025 Indian spy action thriller duology Dhurandhar and its sequel Dhurandhar: The Revenge, both based on Operation Lyari. He is a central character in the first film and makes a cameo appearance in the second. His character was played by Akshaye Khanna.[18][7][19]

The cinematic portrayal of Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar has sparked varied emotions and reactions among audiences, leading to widespread discussions about his real-life persona and legacy.[20][7][21][22]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Kingdom of fear". The Express Tribune. 18 July 2010. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 "سردار، ڈکیت یا سیاستدان" [Chieftain, dacoit or politician]. BBC Urdu (in اردو). 2009-08-10. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
  3. ↑ "Dhurandhar: Real-life Uzair Baloch inherited Rehman Dakait's gang after his encounter; played football with gangster Arshad Pappu's severed head". The Indian Express. 19 December 2025. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
  4. ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 "The Legend of Rahman Dakait & Lyari Gang War". Sindh Times. 20 November 2008. Archived from the original on 2009-03-25. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
  5. ↑ "Life comes full circle for Lyari's mafiosi". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  6. ↑ "Daily News". The News International.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Dhurandhar: Real-life Rehman Dakait killed mother at 15, was Lyari's 'king' at 21, this is what happened after his encounter". The Indian Express. 16 December 2025. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  8. ↑ "Story". Daily Pakistan. 20 December 2006.
  9. ↑ "Rehman Dakait and Arshad Pappu : Lyari Gang War". The Pakistani Spectator. Archived from the original on 2010-05-06. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 "Question mark over killing of Lyari 'gangster'". Dawn. 2009-08-11. Retrieved 2025-12-13.
  11. ↑ "Rehman Dakait, three others killed in Karachi: police". Dawn. 2009-08-10. Retrieved 2025-12-13.
  12. ↑ Sharma, Radhika (16 December 2025). "Dhurandhar: How Rehman Dakait Was Killed By Chaudhry Aslam After A Years-Long Chase Through Lyari". NDTV.
  13. ↑ "Rehman Dakait, three others killed in Karachi: police". Dawn. Archived from the original on 2009-09-17. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
  14. ↑ "Mirza interview: The hits just keep on coming". The Express Tribune. 2011-09-04. Retrieved 2025-12-18.
  15. ↑ "Profile: Chaudhry Aslam". Dawn. Archived from the original on 9 January 2014. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  16. ↑ Ali, Imtiaz (2024-03-12). "Son of slain gangster Rehman Dakait shot dead in 'encounter' in Karachi". Dawn. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  17. ↑ "Rehman Dakait's son arrested in Karachi with illegal weapons". dunyanews.tv. 2026-02-02. Retrieved 2026-05-19.
  18. ↑ "Ranveer Singh shares Akshaye Khanna's viral entry song from Dhurandhar, fans call it a 'banger'". Hindustan Times. 7 December 2025. Retrieved 9 December 2025.
  19. ↑ Sonika Nitin Nimje. "How Akshaye Khanna's Rehman Dakait emerged as Dhurandhar's surprise hero". Business standard. Retrieved 17 December 2025.
  20. ↑ "True story of Rehman Dakait: Villain in 'Dhurandhar' who killed mother, turned severed heads into football". Mathtrubhumi. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
  21. ↑ "Who was the real 'Rehman Dakait' and what role did he play in 26/11 Mumbai terror attack?". WION News. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
  22. ↑ "The Real-Life Rehman Dakait And The Pak Town That Spawned Him". NDTV. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
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