Rangers play key role against terrorists in Karachi: Gen. Naveed Mukhtar

KARACHI: Corps Commander Karachi Lt-Gen. Naveed Mukhtar has asserted that Rangers would continue to play its role to provide protection to Karachiites against the terrorists.

Addressing the officers, taking part in Karachi operation, at Rangers Headquarters, General Naveed Mukhtar said, “The paramilitary force plays the role of ‘backbone’ against terrorists in Karachi.”

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He went on to say that special powers to Rangers enabled the law enforcers to bring peace in Karachi, adding that uncertain situation encourages criminal elements.

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The paramilitary force was called in to assist the police in Karachi in 1989 by the then PPP-led government, amid a deteriorating law and order situation.

They, however, started enjoying more powers in 2009 — again extended by the PPP-led governments both in the centre and the province, which allowed the force to search houses and arrest suspects without warrants.

The special powers given to the Rangers to conduct raids and detain and interrogate suspects expired on December 6. Sindh government had linked further extension in powers to the approval of Sindh Assembly.