Sindh CM extends Rangers' policing powers for 77 days

Rangers additional powers were going to expire on May 3, special powers now extended till July 19

KARACHI: Acting on a summary moved by the Sindh Home Department, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah on Tuesday night extended powers of paramilitary Rangers in Karachi for another 77 days.

The government extended the Rangers’ powers with the same mandate, which the force has been enjoying in the metropolis since 2013.

Extension in Rangers' policing powers awaits Sindh CM's nod

The Rangers additional powers were going to expire on Tuesday night, May 3.  The special powers have been extended till July 19.

With these additional powers, Rangers are allowed to seal exit/entry points and conduct searches in all districts of Karachi. These powers enable the force to carry out search operations without any warrants.

A summary of extension in special powers for the Pakistan Rangers had been facing a delay on the grounds that Sindh CM was out of Karachi.

The provincial government handed over policing powers to the paramilitary force on 10th November 2013 under Tahafuz-e-Pakistan Ordinance on the directions of the federal government.



On Saturday, the interior ministry sent a letter to the provincial authorities, requesting a 77-day extension in the powers of the Rangers, as these were reaching a deadline on Tuesday.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 4^th, 2016.