Third time's a charm: Sindh Assembly to convene session today to discuss Rangers issue
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called on Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah to discuss Rangers issue
KARACHI (Dunya News) – Sindh Assembly on Monday will convene a meeting in which a resolution regarding Rangers special powers is likely to be moved.
Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani will chair the session today after two days. The agenda for the session includes discussion of extension in stay of the paramilitary force in Karachi.
Earlier in the last sessions, Rangers matter was scheduled to be discussed however, the meeting ended twice without following the agenda. The session is likely to take a formal decision in the matter under Section 147 after presentation of the resolution.
On December 13, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called on Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and discussed various issues, including extension of Rangers special powers and law and order situation in Sindh.
PM Nawaz and Qaim Ali Shah reaffirmed their commitment to continue targeted operation against terrorists in Sindh.
CM Shah briefed the Prime Minister about his government’s grievances regarding actions of the paramilitary force in the province. He also expressed his reservations regarding statements of the federal interior minister, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.
Prime Minister assured CM Shah to resolve all issues, including row over extension of Rangers special powers in Sindh, through mutual understanding. He also assured federal government’s full cooperation to improve law and order situation in Sindh.
On Thursday, the extension of paramilitary force’s stay in the province was not discussed in the assembly as per directives by Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani.
On the other hand, Chief Minister (CM) Qaim Ali Shah had said that the government has no falling-out with Pakistan Rangers and the force will get extension in its stay in Karachi. Sources had said that top leadership of the country has given a go-ahead to the Chief Minister.
Know more: Sindh Assembly adjourns session without discussing Rangers issue
Several reports that surfaced earlier had claimed that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is not in favour of the extension and thus is delaying provision of the legal cover. However, Sindh Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Ahmad Khuhro had said that a session was called which would discuss the matter.
Know more: Session adjourned again, Sindh Assembly avoids discussing Rangers special powers
The following day on Friday, a resolution was moved in memory of Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) late Makhdoom Amin Fahim however, Pakistan Rangers issue was brushed under the carpet once again.
In September 2013, a targeted operation was launched in Karachi against terrorists and criminals while Rangers were given special policing powers to lead the offensive.
