- CM, cabinet members appreciate Rangers’ role in bringing Karachi back to life
- Murad says It’s a decision of government, not just the CM’s in compliance with court’s orders
The Sindh government has approved an extension of the special powers of the Rangers in Karachi for 90 days under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. Under the special policing powers under the Anti-Terrorism Act, Rangers Sindh can carry out raids and arrest suspects.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took the decision in a cabinet meeting at the CM House. A controversy on this issue had come up after the Rangers’ policing powers expired on April 15.
Earlier, the home department had sent a summary to the chief minister, seeking an extension for the Rangers’ policing powers.
Sindh CM conducted a special cabinet meeting to make a decision on the extension of Rangers’ special policing powers. The session took place at 4pm to discuss the controversy on the extension the policing powers granted to Rangers post-expiry period.
The chief minister convened a cabinet meeting to discuss the issue. “The court has clearly directed that the government will make the decision, not the chief minister alone. So, today [Saturday], I have summoned this meeting on this issue,” Sindh CM told the cabinet.
Sindh chief minister’s spokesperson said that all cabinet members appreciated the performance of the Rangers in maintaining law and order and curbing terrorism in Karachi. “Not only have the Rangers and police have brought back peace, but they have also sacrificed their lives. We cannot further delay this matter,” spokesman quoted CM Murad.
The cabinet members also endorsed the Sindh CM’s decision of extending the Rangers’ powers.
The Sindh government had approved a 90-day extension in Rangers’ special powers in Karachi in January. The said notification took effect from January 16, 2017.
Rangers were granted these powers to scale down terrorism, extortion, kidnappings for ransom, target killings and other crimes in Karachi, which has long been plagued by violence, mafias and criminal gangs.
However, the 90-day extension in Rangers powers expired Friday, after which authorisation by the provincial administration is needed to continue its operations against terrorists and criminals in the metropolis.
Earlier in 2016, the provincial government tried to limit the Rangers’ powers in Karachi. However, the move was ruled against by the centre.
