Controversial presence: Rangers for end to political party offices in government depts

Paramilitary force says ghost employees involved in terrorism

KARACHI: The Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) on Sunday reiterated its demand to disband offices of political and militant organisations in government departments.

According to a press statement issued by the paramilitary force, it was decided in a meeting of the Sindh apex committee that no government department would house offices of any political party, and those found violating the direction would face strict action. "The ghost employees recruited on political grounds should be terminated immediately as they are involved in terrorism," stated the Rangers spokesperson.

This is the second time the paramilitary force has taken such a step as a few months ago, political parties were asked to close their offices in government departments. Several parties, particularly Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Pakistan Peoples Party, have their offices and labour wings at government institutions as well as banks.

In a letter written to the State Bank of Pakistan and other institutions by Rangers, it has been stated that "it has been reliability learnt that MQM has been maintaining its offices with office bearers in different banks over the last several years. Such activities were sustained by the coercion of the party's militant wing.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan in a suo motu case regarding the law and order situation in Karachi had also observed the same activities taking place in government departments and banks. It is requested to take stock of the aforesaid misuse of your esteemed banks, branches and buildings. In case of any resistance, Rangers is available on short notice."

Meanwhile, the MQM, in a statement, condemned the Rangers’ statement terming it an ‘economic murder of the party’ by calling for termination of MQM-affiliated employees in government departments.

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