Special powers vested in Sindh Rangers to end today; Altaf demands Rangers' expulsion from Sindh, CM says will consult assembly

KARACHI (92 News) - Special powers of policing, raiding and arresting civilians to the Sindh Rangers will end tonight (Wednesday) at 12am. As per official sources, the decision regarding extension in the period of these powers by the Sindh government has not been taken as yet. Meanwhile, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain in a statement from London said that Sindh no more needs the services of Rangers, and the government should send them back. “Qaim Ali Shah and members of Sindh Assembly should pass this bill if they consider Sindh as their mother land,” Hussain said while talking to party office-bearers at Nine Zero. Later, Altaf demanded a referendum seeking the public's say regarding if the people wanted the Rangers to stay in Sindh or not. Speaking on the issue, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah said that the matter relating the rangers powers will be taken to Sindh assembly that will take decision in this regard. “We will also talk to the rangers over powers,” he added. The paramilitary force was assigned these additional powers on September 4, 2013 for arrests and raids in order to curb targeted killings, extortion mafia activities, kidnapping for ransom and other sabotage activities.