The war of words between the centre and Sindh over the issue of extended powers to the Rangers’ is unnecessary. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s speech, which he delivered on the death anniversary of Benazir Bhutto on December 27, has made the matter more cumbersome. His declaration that the National Action Plan is being used to victimise political opponents is tantamount to stretching the point too far.
A general perception is that the Sindh government is trying to shield corrupt elements in the province and is opposing the idea of giving greater powers to the Rangers just to protect its leadership. Instead of initiating a political war on the issue, the PPP leadership should work towards clearing this misconception in which the centre enjoys an upper hand.
Ibrahim Hashmi
Lahore
