Centre backs unilateral extension in Rangers’ powers

Nisar laments Sindh govt’s efforts to stall move

ISLAMABAD: Federal authorities have put the Sindh government on notice that they will unilaterally extend the Rangers’ policing powers if the provincial authorities continued to dither over the issue.

Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Thursday called the director general of the paramilitary Rangers and assured him of the federal government’s support in continuing operations in Sindh.



During his conversation with the Rangers DG, the minister pledged to ensure the paramilitary soldiers stay in Sindh as per Supreme Court directives and provide the required legal cover with regard to policing powers in the province, sources told The Express Tribune.

The minister expressed reservations that for political purposes, hurdles are being created in awarding the special powers to Rangers in the province. He also directed the DG to gradually withdraw Rangers personnel from providing security to VVIPs in Sindh.

Nisar expressed hope that the Sindh government will fulfill its duty and issue a notification to extend Rangers’ powers. He said he will also contact the Sindh chief minister to remove his reservations over this issue.



Extending the Rangers’ special powers has once again become bone of contention the Centre and Sindh, with the latter reluctant to issue the required notification. The Pakistan Peoples Party, which holds power in Sindh, wants to limit the Rangers to Karachi only. The federal government, however, wants the paramilitary force empowered to carry out operations throughout the province.

Sources said the PPP’s top leadership is expected to meet in Dubai to discuss this contentious issue.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22^nd, 2016.