Rangers to act as Sindh govt wants

Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Saath

If asked to inform before certain arrests, they will do it; Rangers’ main interest is to improve city situation; force working under SOP of interior ministry

News Desk

KARACHI: Presenting his analysis in his programme on Tuesday, Shahzeb Khanzada said the matter of extension in the powers of the Rangers has again been delayed.

The Sindh government is engaged in consultations but the Rangers have formulated their line of action, regardless of whether or not there  is an extension.

According to the Rangers sources, the matter of an extension depends on the Sindh government. The captain of the operation at present is the Sindh chief minister and it is up to him to decide whatever he likes. They will accept whatever the Sindh decides. If the Sindh government wants that powers of the Rangers should be extended in a way that Rangers should inform the government before arresting certain persons, then it will be done accordingly and such decision of the Sindh government will be acceptable to Rangers.

They said we will also inform the Sindh government if it wants to be informed about every single arrest. Our main interest is to improve situation of the city and not develop differences with the government.

Shahzeb Khanzada also said the higher sources of the Rangers stated that they are working under the SOP of the interior ministry, which permits them to conduct patrolling, snap checking and operation against terrorists, helping the police and taking them along for raids and arresting terrorists for handing them over to the police. 

The ATA gives Rangers the powers to raid, keep the accused under arrest and even the power for remand, but this is not with them now.

Shahzeb Khanzada said the Rangers’ sources stated they have all the necessary evidences against Dr Asim. The police, not the Rangers, sought remand of Dr Asim. The investigation officers were changed twice by the police not by the Rangers, due to which the remand was taken twice. We do not have any link to that action, they said and added that they wish the investigation officer of the police presented the evidences before the court and the court takes a decision. It usually happens that investigation of cases is leaked out but every care has been taken in Dr Asim’s case. In case there are attempts to intentionally corrupt Dr Asim’s case, then evidences will be placed before the people through media. They said the Rangers were deployed at the Gulberg Police Station for security of Dr Asim and not to influence the case. However, the Rangers personnel were called back at 4.00 in the afternoon.