KARACHI: Following the expiry of their special powers in Sindh, Rangers personnel have been called back which could affect the progress of ongoing targeted operation in Karachi.
The paramilitary Rangers have been withdrawn from check posts, security of mosques and worship places of minorities but governor, chief minister, judges, airports, sensitive installations and specific VIPs continue to receive Rangers security.
It is being feared that the abolition of Rangers’ special powers in Sindh will affect the peace and security situation.
Different circles in the province have demanded to extend the authority of Rangers.
Rangers’ special powers in Sindh expired on Friday. The Sindh government has not yet sent summary of extension in Rangers powers to the federation.
According to sources, a summary seeking 90-day extension in Rangers’ special powers was forwarded to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on April 5 but he has not signed it yet.
Murad Ali Shah had extended Rangers’ special powers for 90 days in the province on January 15, 2017.
Under the National Action Plan and the Anti-Terrorism Act, the federal cabinet had empowered the Rangers to lead a targeted operation with the support of police against criminals involved in targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, extortion and terrorism in Karachi.
The Rangers operation was launched in September 2013 in Karachi and situation in metropolis had improved significantly.
