The resolution and debate for extension in Rangers powers could not be initiated in the Sindh Assembly on the third consecutive day, thus fuming the federal government which was persistently insisting the PPP-led Sindh government to provide Rangers legal cover for stay in the province, particularly Karachi to maintain law and order.

The government has started mulling to invoke articles 148 and 149 of the Constitution to grant policing powers to the paramilitary force.

What are articles 148 & 149?

Article 148 pertains to ‘Obligation of Provinces and Federation’

 

1	The executive authority of every Province shall be so exercised as to secure compliance with Federal laws which apply in that Province.
2	Without prejudice to any other provision of this Chapter, in the exercise of the executive authority of the Federation in any Province regard shall be had to the interests of that Province.
3	It shall be the duty of the Federation to protect every Province against external aggression and internal disturbances and to ensure that the Government of every Province is carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

 

While Article 149 deals with ‘Directions to Provinces in certain cases’

 

1	The executive authority of every Province shall be so exercised as not to impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive authority of the Federation, and the executive authority of the Federation shall extend to the giving of such directions to a Province as may appear to the Federal Government to be necessary for that purpose.
2	The executive authority of the Federation shall also extend to the giving of directions to a Province as to the construction and maintenance of means of communication declared in the direction to be of national or strategic importance.
3	The executive authority of the Federation shall also extend to the giving of directions to a Province as to the manner in which the executive authority thereof is to be exercised for the purpose of preventing any grave menace to the peace or tranquility or economic life of Pakistan or any part thereof.

Yesterday, Sindh senior minister Nisar Ahmed Khuhro said police was now capable enough as well to maintain law and order in the province.

He said mountains won’t fall if granting of special powers were delayed for some time.