Former servicemen throw their weight behind Rangers operation

Say no political pressure should be allowed to hamper LEA's efforts; call for action against abettors of terrorists

ISLAMABAD: Former servicemen of the armed forces announced unequivocal support for Rangers on Sunday, commending them for their efforts to purge Karachi of violence and terrorism.

In an emergent meeting to review the situation on Sunday, the Executive Council of Pakistan Ex-servicemen Association (PESA) extended support to the Rangers' director general on his report naming those responsible for the growing chaos, extortion, abductions and incidents of targeted killings.

They called upon the federal government to ensure that all cases being probed by Rangers reach a logical conclusion, while the LEA is kept free of political pressure to avoid a delay in delivering justice.

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“Punitive action must be taken against all found guilty of or supporting corruption or terrorism, irrespective of their status and rank, including the armed forces.”

The body observed that extreme greed and corruption prevailing in society are a result of lack of values of equality, freedom and brotherhood put in perspective by the founding fathers.

On the occasion, the servicemen also felicitated the progress of Operation Zarb-e-Azab and paid tribute to the martyrs.

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“It is, however, unfortunate that the rehabilitation of Temporarily Displaced Persons has not yet started despite claims by the government,” they said, adding, “Measures should be adopted for a safe return of the TDPs as well as keeping the affected areas free of terrorists.”

The meeting was presided over by the Lt Gen (retd) Ali Kuli Khan and attended by other ex servicemen Air Marshal Masood Akhtar, Lt Gen Naeem Akbar, Brigadiers Mian Mahmud, Arbi Khan, Simon Sharaf, Masud ul Hassan and Major Farouk Hamid. Brigadiers Akram Malik and Waqar Raja from the Veterans’ Own organisation were also present on the occasion.