Punjab govt still undecided about Rangers powers

Suggestions of giving Rangers limited powers in limited areas were discussed in the meeting as Rangers have already made entry in different areas.

The provincial government meeting settled on making a decision regarding Rangers powers in a next meeting.

High government officials, chief secretary, interior ministry officials and other senior officials were also present on this occasion.

Provincial Law Minister Rana Sanaullah had last week confirmed that the Punjab government had sought help from the paramilitary force for operations against banned outfits and terrorists in ‘specific’ areas of the province only.

The law minister said Rangers were being called in the province under Section 7 and 10 of the Pakistan Rangers’ Ordinance and added, a requisition was sent to Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Sept 10 for approval.

The minister also tried to make clear that Rangers in Punjab would not be enjoying the same policing powers as they have in Sindh since the core purpose of future deployment in the biggest city of the country was of different nature.