Nisar directs DG Rangers to withdraw men from VVIPs security

ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan asked Director General (DG) Rangers Major General Bilal Akbar to withdraw all personnel deployed for the security of the VVIPs in Karachi, sources told Geo News on Thursday.

Sources revealed that Nisar, during a telephonic conversation with DG Rangers, said that the federal government would ensure Rangers stay in Sindh as per the decision of Supreme Court.

He said that the Rangers would also be provided with complete legal cover in this regard, according to the sources.

Sources further said that the issue would be discussed with Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah today or tomorrow.

The Sindh government seems to be at crossroads with Rangers over extension of the paramilitary powers which expired yesterday.

Last week, DG Rangers General Bilal Akbar had announced that the paramilitary will extend the Karachi operation to other parts of Sindh— a decision which did not go well with the Sindh government.

Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah on Tuesday had said that Rangers have been given special policing powers only in Karachi, not in rest of the province.

The last time extension had been granted to stay of Rangers in Karachi was from July 20, 2015 till July 19, 2016. The federal govt had granted the extension in stay for another term on the request of the provincial government.

The services of the paramilitary force are invoked by the provincial government for the maintenance of law and order and combating crimes under Article 147 of the Constitution.