CM approves summary of Rangers' stay with special powers in Karachi

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday approved the summary granting extension in Rangers’ stay in Karachi with special powers.

According to the CM’s spokesperson, Murad Ali Shah approved the summary which called for extending Rangers' stay for one year in Karachi and also granted them special powers for 90 days. The spokesperson also said that the CM is hopeful Rangers would continue to play a vital part in maintaining the law and order situation of Karachi, just as they have in the recent past.

The spokesperson also stated that the Chief Minister's recommendation will be sent to the federal government.

The decision comes one day after CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah held a meeting with former president and PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari in Dubai. Zardari had reportedly granted permission to Murad to approve the summary for extending Rangers' stay in Sindh with special powers.

Powers of the paramilitary to detain an individual for up to 90 days lapsed on June 15. The Protection for Pakistan Ordinance which allowed the paramilitary to arrest suspects without a warrant lapsed on July 15.

Since 2013, acting under powers bestowed on the paramilitary force under Article-147, the Pakistan Rangers Sindh conducted multiple targeted operations in interior Sindh during which 533 suspects were arrested. Those detained were handed over to police and various law enforcement agencies for processing.