Law enforcement: Rangers’ powers extended

Special powers expired on January 15 and triggered a controversy but government officials dismissed reports of rift

ISLAMABAD/ KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah approved the summary to extend the special powers of the Rangers for 90 days.

Subsequently, the interior ministry issued a notification on Thursday extending the Rangers’ powers with effect from January 16. “After receiving the approval letter, the home department will issue a notification of the powers with effect from January 16,” said an official of the home department. The special powers expired on January 15 and triggered a controversy but government officials dismissed reports of a rift between the law enforcement agency and the Sindh government, terming them ‘conspiracies’ against them.

“No one uttered a single word against the special powers but hype was created that the Pakistan Peoples Party-led government is unwilling to extend special powers. This was aimed at creating rift a between the Sindh and federal governments and security agencies,” said Sindh information adviser Moula Bux Chandio.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th, 2017.