Rangers’ special powers expire

KARACHI (92 News) – The validity of special powers given to the paramilitary Rangers under the Anti-Terrorism Act expired on Friday night.

On April 5, The Sindh Home Department had sent a summary to Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah proposing a 90-day extension in the policing powers granted to the Rangers in Karachi Division.

The provincial government previously extended the power of the paramilitary force January 16.

Under the Anti-Terrorism Act, the Rangers had the mandate to conduct targeted-operations against elements involved in heinous crimes, terrorism, targeted-killings, kidnapping for ransom and extortion.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Rangers operation was launched in September 2013 in the city. The Rangers’ powers had in the past been extended at the very last moment.