Rangers’ ‘special powers’ likely to be extended by Monday: Chandio

HYDERABAD: Terming the matter of Sindh Rangers’ ‘special police-like powers’ as Constitutional, Sindh’s Information Advisor Maula Bakhsh Chandio on Saturday said Rangers’ powers are likely to be extended by Monday.

Speaking at a press conference here, he said the provincial government did not want to create hurdles in the way of ongoing operation against criminals and terrorists in Karachi, adding that the operation will continue with the assistance of Rangers.

The paramilitary force, which has been carrying out the operation with the help of police in the metropolis for the last two years, is without their special powers for over a week now.

The special powers allow them to conduct raids, detain and interrogate suspects for up to 120 days. According to the previous extension granted in August of this year the powers limited to the city of Karachi expired last Friday.

The summary for extension of the special powers was sent to Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah who put the matter before the provincial assembly.

Commenting over a recent statement by Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on the issue, Chandio said the minister should issue statements carefully.

“Chief Minister (Qaim Ali Shah) did not say that he was against Rangers...Interior Minister should mind his own business,” he remarked.

The information advisor went on to say that Rangers were called in by the Sindh government, which he added did not want to create any hindrance in the operation’s way.

He added that Rangers had arrived constitutionally and should continue its activities with police constitutionally also.

Chandio said criminals will be followed in Interior Sindh if they take refuge there.