Sindh Assembly adjourns session without discussing Rangers' issue
No debate on the resolution to extend the exclusive powers was not carried out during the session.
KARACHI (Dunya News) – Sindh Assembly on Thursday has adjourned the session until tomorrow (Friday) without discussing the matter of Rangers‘ policing powers in Karachi.
The extension of paramilitary force’s stay in the province was not discussed today as per directives by Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani.
He further declared the members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) as kids due to their stance in politial scenerio.
Meanwhile, Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM) Khawaja Izhar-ul-Hassan said that there are no reservations on Karachi operation, but on some incidents.
However, Pakistan Muslim League-Functional (PML-F) MPA Nusrat Sahar Abbasi assured that the authorities would not restrict the Rangers’ charge in Karachi.
On the other hand, Chief Minister (CM) Qaim Ali Shah has said that the government has no falling-out with Pakistan Rangers and the force will get extension in its stay in Karachi today.
Qaim Ali Shah is likely to sign the summary today. Sources have said that top leadership of the country has given a go-ahead to the Chief Minister.
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.
The federal government had initiated an operation in Karachi in September 2013 to eliminate criminal elements. Pakistan Rangers were bestowed with special powers for the cause.
Other law enforcement agencies including Sindh Police were ordered to cooperate however, Rangers were asked to lead the targeted operation.
Crime rate in Karachi has fallen by a significant number. Cases of target killings, kidnapping, extortion and terrorism have decreased. On the other hand, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has severely opposed the operation claiming that it is part of ‘minus one formula’.
The party claims to be the sole target of the operation however, the federation and other bodies concerned have repeatedly assured that Karachi operation is not against any political party but crime and terror attacks.
Several party workers have been apprehended and imprisoned for various crimes.
Earlier, it was decided to present the resolution on 12th priority in the list during Sindh Assembly session.
Read More: Extension for Rangers subject to permission from Sindh Assembly
The government of Sindh had earlier extended the policing powers of July 9th this year and were then extended for the whole year but without taking the matter to the Provincial Assembly. Government of Sindh has now linked the extension to the Assembly s approval.
The special powers to conduct search and arrest operations were granted to the paramilitary force in light of the worsening security condition of the city. The extension will be granted under Article 147.
