Rangers’ powers: PTI stages protest in front of assembly

Party leader warns to besiege Assembly building if powers not given to the force

KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers protested in front of the Sindh Assembly against the provincial government’s decision to give Rangers conditional powers.

Around 100 workers of the PTI gathered soon after the assembly session was prorogued at around 3pm. Holding the banners and placards, they demanded to give special powers to the paramilitary forces without conditions. ‘Saen baba jaago’ read one of the slogans on the placards.

The protest was led by PTI’s Subhan Ali Sahil. Strict security measures were taken around the assembly by deploying a heavy contingent of police.

The main gates leading to the assembly and the Sindh Secretariat were locked, which caused problems for government employees and people who visit government offices.

Talking to the media, Sahil said that Rangers have played a significant role in controlling the law and order in Karachi by taking action against extortion, kidnapping and target killers, but the Pakistan Peoples Party government seems to be sabotaging peace by curtailing their powers. He threatened to lay siege around the Sindh Assembly and Chief Minister House if special powers are not given to the force.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2015.