Military, civil leadership meetings set off over Rangers special powers in Karachi

Corps Commander Lt General Naveed Mukhtar called on Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah in Karachi today. They reviewed the prevailing law and order situation and other issues under National Action Plan in Sindh, specially Karachi.

They expressed satisfaction over the law and order situation and ongoing targeted operation in the megapolis.

On the other hand, Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also called on the chief minister at Bilawal House.

The chairman PPP told Qaim Ali Shah about the party’s policy on the issue of extension of Rangers powers. After meeting, the Qaim went back to CM House from where he would go for Dubai to attend a party meeting.

Sindh Rangers special policing powers in Karachi had expired on July 19 as a summary sent to the Chief Minister of Sindh in this regard is waiting for approval.

The provincial government previously extended the power of the paramilitary force from May 4 to July 19.

According to sources, a summary seeking 90-day extension in Rangers’ special powers had been forwarded to Sindh Chief Minister.

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 the metropolis.

Karachi has long been gripped by violence, with attacks carried out by militants as well as ethnic elements, criminal gangs and rival political parties.

A recent controversy between the provincial home department and Rangers authorities said to be a key hurdle in extension of special powers to the Rangers.

PPP leadership meeting called in Dubai

Co-Chairman of PPP Asif Ali Zardari has called a two-day party leadership meeting in Dubai over Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections, Rangers powers and Panama Leaks issues.

Key PPP leaders including Qaim Ali will leave to attend the meeting, which will be chaired by Zardari, tomorrow morning. Farooq H Naek and former governor Punjab Lateef Khosa have also been called for legal consultation.