Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah on Sunday approved the extension of Rangers’ exclusive policing powers by 60 days.
According the chief minister’s spokesperson, the paramilitary Rangers will be able to take action against terrorism, sectarian murders, targeted killings and incidents involving extortion and kidnapping for ransom.
The extension of two months was approved after the Sindh Assembly passed a resolution pertaining to the special powers for Rangers. The resolution has, however, limited the power of Rangers.
Sources say that the extension was to be for 120 days but the Sindh government only approved the extension for 60 days.
The special policing powers will not include the right to raid government offices and interrogation of officers. The Rangers will have to seek special permission from the Sindh CM in order to conduct such actions.
According to the spokesperson, the extension in Rangers’ powers was provided on December 6.
The representative said a letter has also been dispatched to the Federal Ministry of Interior informing it about the approval for the extension in special powers to the paramilitary force.
Earlier on Saturday, CM Qaim Ali Shah ruled out the possibility of the imposition of governor rule in Sindh and cautioned against its imposition.
Qaim said a democratic dispensation is working in the country, therefore there is no reason for governor rule to be imposed in his province. “If it is imposed, it will have serious implications,” he warned.
He emphatically opposed the formation of a grand opposition alliance against the Sindh government, maintaining, “The federal government does not have the authority to impose governor’s rule in Sindh or in any other province.”
Qaim dismissed reports of the Rangers’ powers being clipped and emphasised that their presence will continue as mandated. “When the Karachi operation was launched, the chief minister was made its captain,” he said, adding, “But it appears that while the head is still there, the cap has gone.”
Qaim’s sarcasm indicated he believes he is being sidelined in decisions made about the Karachi operation. “The Rangers action will continue as mandated in the resolution,” the CM affirmed.