Rangers' special policing powers only in Karachi: CM Sindh

LARKANA: Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah on Tuesday said that Rangers have been given special policing powers only in Karachi, not in rest of the province.

"The paramilitary force has no special powers in rest of the province," the Sindh CM said, speaking at a press conference in Larkana.

"These powers were aimed at reducing four most heinous offences i.e. terrorism, target killing, extortion and kidnapping for ransom."

He said that Pakistan Rangers Sindh were not given policing powers in Sindh during last three years, it was only limited to Karachi.

He said the extension in Rangers' powers, as per the law, is given for 120 days and the Sindh government and the central leadership of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) are yet to decide on the extension of these powers once again.

Speaking about Abdul Qadir Patel, the chief minister said Patel slipped away from the anti-terrorism court (ATC) and efforts were being made to arrest him.

He went on to say that the law and order situation in Karachi is improving and the provincial government is equipping police with sophisticated weapons.

Meanwhile, DG Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar telephoned Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and held discussion with him on the delay in extension of Rangers' powers.

The chief minister's words came with the Rangers' term to in the province in aid of the civil administration and police expires on Tuesday (today).

Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah has yet to approve the summary to send a request to the federal government to extend the stay of Rangers for a fresh tenure.

The last time extension had been granted to stay of Rangers in Karachi was from July 20, 2015 till July 19, 2016. The federal govt had granted the extension in stay for another term on the request of the provincial government.

The services of the paramilitary force in the province are invoked by the provincial government for the maintenance of law and order and combating crimes under Article 147 of the Constitution.

Next week, the special anti-terror powers of Sindh Rangers under the Anti-Terrorism Act in Karachi Division only would also come to an end.

The special powers of Rangers to detain terror suspects and accused criminals for 90 days under the amendment in the Ant-Terrorism Law have already lapsed last month.