Rangers’ powers: Nisar hopes new Sindh CM will remove hurdles

TAXILA: Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan has expressed confidence that Rangers' stay in Sindh with special powers will be extended within a couple of days.

Addressing a news conference in Taxila on Saturday afternoon, he hoped the matter will be resolved soon as a new chief minister has taken charge of his office in Sindh.

The minister said that Rangers enjoy full support of the federal government, which will facilitate the paramilitary force to complete its job of establishing complete peace in Karachi. He hoped that the Sindh government will play its due role in this regard.

Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said it is a matter of concern that extension in the Rangers' powers is made controversial every time. 

He said the Karachi operation was launched after consultation and consensus with the Sindh government on the orders of the Supreme Court.

“Rangers have restored peace in Karachi to a great extent sacrificing their lives during the last two and a half years,” the minister said.

 He pointed out how the paramilitary force can be expected to deliver when it does not have the necessary powers.

To a question, Chaudhry Nisar said the visa agreement with Kuwait signed in 2013 has been suspended as the accord was not being honoured by the other side.

He said the visa issuance system has been improved and it is for the first time in the history of Pakistan that international airlines are being fined for violation of rules.    

Meanwhile, newly-elected Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that the issue of Rangers’ powers would be resolved tonight or tomorrow.