Rangers admit to have lost powers in Karachi

Home department says Rangers will continue to be deployed in the province

KARACHI: The Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, on Monday, issued a press statement confirming that the Rangers have lost the special powers to conduct raids and operations in Karachi.

According to a statement issued by a Rangers spokesperson, the special powers to conduct raids, operations and searches, which the Rangers were enjoying under the Section 4 (3)(i) of 1997-ATA have expired on April 15. However, the Rangers continue to be deployed in Karachi under the Article 147 of the Constitution. The statement further said the Rangers cannot conduct operations independently, on the basis of code of conduct issued by Sindh government on August 1, 2016, but they would continue to provide security to the to the notified places and can also provide backup support to the police on the call of the police and district administration in case of emergency and operation.



The Rangers statement came shortly after the provincial home department refuted the media reports that it has withdrawn the Rangers from the province.

Refuting such reports, Home Department Additional Secretary Muhammad Ibrahim Mahesar, in a statement, had said that an impression has been created in a section of media that the Sindh government has "withdrawn" duties and functions of the Rangers in the province. "This impression is legally and factually incorrect," the statement said.



Describing the legal position, the statement said deployment of the Rangers had been requisitioned in aid of civil administration from federal government under Article 147 of the Constitution for a period of 12 months. Lastly, the notification was issued to deploy the paramilitary force from July 20, 2016 to July 2017. In this connection, provincial government has specified the role of the Rangers which include setting up of pickets, patrolling on roads, protecting high value establishments, providing backup support to Sindh police during religious events and large public gatherings, and providing security to the President of Pakistan, prime minister and foreign dignitaries on their visit to Karachi.

The statement further said the Rangers are mandated to have their own independent intelligence network and carry out intelligence-based operations in accordance with the law.  "It may be appreciated that legally, the Pakistan Rangers still carry out their mandated role. The Government of Sindh expresses its firm resolve to curb crime in the province by employing all available means under the law," the statement said.