KARACHI: Just a day after Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah signed a summary extending special powers of Pakistan Rangers for only 60 days, the chief of the paramilitary force on Monday vowed that there would be no let-up in actions under the ‘Karachi operation’ and it would continue at the same pace “till its logical end”.

The fresh resolve of the Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, Director General Major General Bilal Akbar came during his meeting with representatives of the city traders, who called on him at the paramilitary force’s headquarters, where the two sides discussed results of the ‘Karachi operation’ achieved so far and its future prospects.

“A seven-member delegation of the Karachi Tajir Ittehad led by its chairman, Atiq Meer, called on DG Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar at Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, headquarters,” said a brief statement of the Rangers after the meeting.

“The delegations voiced their concerns about the law and order situation and lauded Rangers performance during the current Karachi operation, which brought back stability to the metropolis. The DG Rangers assured them of full support against criminals and extortionists and also told them that the Karachi operation will continue till its logical end.”

Traders body wants full powers for paramilitary force

Only on Sunday, the Sindh chief minister signed a summary to extend special powers of the Rangers for another 60 days. In a recent letter to the federal government, the provincial authorities have informed the Centre about the ratification of deployment of Rangers and their powers under Article 147 of the Constitution from Dec 6 to Feb 5, 2016.

Special powers given to the Rangers under the Anti-Terrorism Act had expired on Dec 5 and the Sindh government was reluctant to extend them on grounds that the Rangers had overstepped their authority by raiding government offices, arresting officials and seizing official records while having the mandate for only four heinous crimes — terrorism, targeted killing, kidnapping for ransom and extortion.

The Sindh government’s tone and the resolution adopted by the provincial assembly attracted a strong reaction from the opposition parties and traders’ bodies with the Karachi Tajir Ittehad leading the protest against the proposed move. The organisation is still seen quite aggressive when it comes to supporting Rangers powers.

“In fact we requested the Rangers DG to allow us time for a personal meeting,” said Atiq Meer of the Ittehad. “It was a very good meeting, which gave us new hopes and determination for business in Karachi. We are very thankful to the Rangers DG for the meeting.”

When asked about their “concerns” they showed during the meeting which was mentioned in the Rangers statement, he said the traders had recently witnessed re-emergence of criminal elements and extortion complaints.

“Similarly, we also pointed out a few areas where despite the Karachi operation, the situation has not improved to that level which we have witnessed in other parts of the city. The old city area, which is the centre of business activities, remained our main focus of discussion,” he added.

“The DG Rangers has assured us that the operation in those areas will gather pace in the days to come. Another thing which he made very clear and that really lifted our hopes is that he categorically said that the Rangers are not going anywhere. They would only return when the city would regain its past glory, peace and stability.”

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2015