Special policing powers for Rangers

Why the delay?

The PPP government in Sindh has once again delayed extending the special powers of the Rangers. Last year it had objected to the force overstepping its mandate which was limited to curbing terrorism, targeted killings, kidnapping for ransom and extortion by unilaterally including corruption also in the list. This time the delay has taken place because the Rangers are keen to extend their sphere of activities, so far confined to Karachi, to the rest of Sindh. There are suspicions in the PPP leadership that the Federal government is keen to exploit the Karachi operation for its political interests

The PPP has never played down the efforts of the Rangers in restoring peace in Karachi. The party recognises that the incidence of serious crimes has recorded a significant decline. There is a realisation that this could not have been done by police alone.  What worries the PPP is that the Rangers are linking up terrorism with corruption. While the party would not admit it, corruption is rampant in feudal dominated Sindh not only in bureaucracy, but also among higher echelons of power.  As the PPP draws political strength from interior Sindh, any extension in the Rangers powers to the rural part of the province is bound to touch a raw nerve.  Despite widespread accusations of corruption against some of the PMLN legislators from Punjab, and a few having been accused in the past of links with extremist outfits, they continue to enjoy immunity. Under the circumstances the PPP has reasons to feel being singled out

The Rangers need to concentrate on the four tasks allotted to them leaving corruption to other institutions which are better trained to deal with the issue. Widening the scope would divert their attention from their real task and make them controversial. This needs to be avoided. The PPP leadership on the other hand must not delay extending special powers to the Rangers for Karachi operation in accordance with the constitution.