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

Spokesperson cites Qaim Ali Shah's absence as reason for delay in approval of the request; deadline expires on Tuesday

KARACHI: A summary of extension in special powers for the Pakistan Rangers has been facing a delay on the grounds that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah is out of Karachi, sources say.

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.

However, according to his spokesperson, Qaim Ali Shah was out of the city and only after his arrival could the summary get an approval.

The extension in powers became controversial in the recent months after the Sindh Assembly adopted a resolution limiting the powers of the paramilitary force.



The federal government, however, had rejected the summary, making it clear the Rangers would continue to operate in the province with full powers.

The Rangers, police and other law enforcement agencies are busy in maintaining law and order in Karachi for nearly three years to purge the metropolis of terrorist elements.