A reprieve for Sindh government

It needs to put its act together

A tussle has gone on in Sindh between the Rangers and Police since the initiation of Karachi Operation in 2013. Initially the rivalry was seen as natural and was in fact considered useful as both sides vied with each other to produce results. With Rangers shifting attention to investigating corruption by political parties, their role became increasingly controversial. The treatment meted out to former Federal Minister Dr Asim Hussain particularly led to accusations that Rangers were overstepping their mandate beyond the four identified parameters of curbing terrorism, targeted killings, kidnapping for ransom and extortion. With Sindh Chief Minister delaying to notify the extension of Rangers’ tenure, the province and Centre were at loggerheads and fears were expressed that the confrontation might lead to the imposition of Governor’s rule in the province. Good sense finally prevailed and the CM Sindh extended Rangers’ powers to another 90 days.

The Rangers want quick disposal of cases. The Sindh government insists it wants to act according to law. Accusing police of delays and inefficiency the Rangers approached SC to allow them to set up their own thanas with powers to register FIRs and to investigate and prosecute the accused. The Sindh government argued that the proposal amounted to the creation of a parallel system of criminal justice. The Supreme Court rejected the Rangers plea on the ground that it was not in its jurisdiction to concede it.

There is a need now for the Sindh government to put its act together. Despite the acts of gallantry on the part of officers like Ch Aslam and the success in solving some of the high profile cases, the performance of Sindh police leaves much to be desired. The presence of a large number of political appointees has badly affected its performance. The force is understaffed, under-equipped and lacking training in dealing with criminal gangs and terrorist networks. Peace in Karachi will remain elusive unless the provincial government takes relentless measures to turn it into a highly disciplined professional body.