No compromise on Karachi operation, PM tells Sindh CM

Sources say PM Nawaz rejected Qaim Ali Shah's demand of 'clipping Rangers' powers'

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah agreed on Wednesday to continue Karachi operation jointly and to amicably resolve all differences between the Centre and the provincial government.

During the meeting between the premier and the Sindh chief minister at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad the real cause of contention, an earlier notification by the Federal Interior Ministry to extend special powers of Sindh Rangers in Karachi, was not discussed, sources told The Express Tribune.



PHOTO: PM HOUSE

The prime minister is said to have carefully listened to the concerns and reservations raised by Qaim Ali Shah and his delegation and promised to address all the concerns with sincerity.

Meanwhile, both agreed if any issue between the Centre and the Sindh government emerges in the future, they would sit together, discuss it and would resolve it through dialogue.

PM Nawaz pointed out that the federal government has provided Rs25 billion to the Sindh government so far in terms of the expenditure incurred on the Karachi operation.

However, sources said the prime minister categorically rejected two major demands presented by the Sindh government regarding the clipping of powers of the paramilitary force to arrest any political figure on corruption charges and to raid any Sindh government buildings.



Further, the prime minister directed Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to coordinate and address the concerns of the Sindh government and informed the chief minister that the Rangers will continue its operation under the notification of interior ministry, sources revealed.

On Tuesday, after his arrival in Islamabad, CM Shah held meetings with the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) senior leaders to devise the strategy for his meeting with PM Nawaz.

Last week, rejecting the Sindh government’s summary of giving conditional powers to Rangers in Karachi, the federal government had directly provided legal cover to the paramilitary force with full powers under the anti-terrorism laws.

The top PPP leadership has already decided against going to court over the federal government’s notification on Rangers powers. But the party will take up this issue in parliament and all available forums to register their protest.



The Sindh government believes the paramilitary forces or the federal departments have no authority to interfere in provincial affairs and before taking any action they are under an obligation to seek the CM’s permission.

Sindh CM Qaim Ali Shah briefs media

Addressing the media after his meeting with the premier, Shah said the discussion was held in a cordial atmosphere, adding the prime minister’s response was positive as he carefully listened to the concerns of the Sindh government.

An Express News screengrab.

Further, Shah said PM Nawaz has directed Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar to visit Karachi and address all the concerns of the Sindh government.

Shah pointed out that Sindh government had called the services of Rangers as per Article 147 of the Constitution which allows the paramilitary force to act against terrorism, target killings, kidnapping for ransom and extortion.



The chief minister, however, said the subject of corruption is a provincial matter which is being dealt with by the provincial anti-corruption establishment, adding the same has been conveyed to the prime minister.

Shah also claimed that around 80 per cent of peace in Karachi has been restored because of the operation which commenced 2.5 years ago with a complete political consensus.

‘Zardari can return to Pakistan anytime he wants’

In response to a question, the Sindh chief minister said former president and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari can come back to Pakistan anytime he wants as there are no pending cases against the PPP leader.



“Asif Zardari is aboard due to his illness and he will come back to the country anytime he wants,” he said.