Sindh extends Rangers stay for 30 days

A spokesperson for the chief minister said that endorsement for the Rangers’ policing powers would be sought from Sindh Assembly.

The paramilitary force was given special powers under the counter terrorism strategy of the government to detain suspects for 90 days. That permission expired on July 8.

According to sources, the decision was taken after Pakistan Peoples Party Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari directed Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah on telephone to issue a notification of extension in the Rangers’ deployment in Sindh without any delay.

Earlier Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar spoke to the Chief Minister by phone to discuss the issue. Nisar told the media he had assured the chief minister of Sindh that deployment of Rangers is not about limiting authority of anybody or interference in the provincial autonomy.