PPP leadership okays extension to Rangers powers in Sindh

KARACHI: The leadership of Sindh's ruling Pakistan People's Party (PPP) on Wednesday gave its nod to the provincial government for extension of special powers granted to the Rangers paramilitary force.

Former president and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari telephoned Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah late Wednesday night and directed him to extend the duration of special powers granted to Rangers in Sindh.

He instructed the chief minister to issue the official notification in this regard.

Later in the early hours of Thursday, Sindh Home Ministry issued a notification for extending the Rangers’ special powers under the Section-4 of Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. The ‘police-like powers’ for the paramilitary force have been extended for 30 days time-period.

Former President Zardari appreciated the role played by the military in the war against terrorism. He said that the PPP wants improvement in civil-military relations and further enhancement in the working relationship.

The Chief Secretary Sindh and the Secretary Interior has been summoned to the CM House in this regard, and the official letter is expected to be issued shortly.

Earlier today, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that the Sindh government has an excellent working relationship with the federal government, the Rangers, and the army, adding that there was no authenticity in news about tension between the Sindh and federal government.

He said that the Rangers' efforts to end terrorism, extortion, kidnappings for ransom and target killing cannot be forgotten.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) submitted a bill in the Sindh Assembly today in favour of the continuation of special powers to Rangers in Karachi. The bill was submitted by PTI leader Khurram Sher Zaman who said that the province including Karachi needs the Rangers and that the police cannot be depended upon.

Today (Wednesday, July 08) is the last day of the original fixed period for special powers granted to the Rangers force, including the legal powers of Rangers to detain any suspect for 90 days.

On November 10 last year, the Sindh government had allowed Rangers through a notification under the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Act to detain any suspect for 90 days in their custody with the permission of the court, for further interrogations for 120 days, and these powers were extended in March this year for further 120 days, until July 8.

Meanwhile, the period of stay of Rangers in the province expires July 20.