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ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) condemned in the strongest terms what they called the ‘invasion of Sindh’ by the federal government after the interior ministry on Tuesday rejected the provincial government's summary and extended Rangers' special policing for another 60 days.
In a statement released on Tuesday evening, PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari's spokesperson Senator Farhatullah Babar said that that by rejecting the constitutional right of Sindh to limit the scope of Rangers' powers, asserting that "the federal government had acted in sheer violation of the Constitution".
"The Pakistan People’s Party will not permit this invasion of the provincial domain and warns against its consequences for the political stability of the federation," said the PPP senator.
Related: Interior ministry extends Rangers' policing powers in Karachi for 60 days
Babar said that in the light of Article 147 of the Constitution, it is abundantly clear that the imposition of certain conditions on the authority of the Rangers as well as seeking ratification of those limitations from the Provincial Assembly is well within the constitutional rights of the provincial government.
Article 147 of the Constitution reads below:
Notwithstanding anything contained in the Constitution, the Government of a Province may, with the consent of the Federal Government, entrust, either conditionally or unconditionally, to the Federal Government, or to its officers, functions in relation to any matter to which the executive authority of the Province extends.
Provided that the Provincial Government shall get the functions so entrusted ratified by the Provincial Assembly within 60 days.
About the ATA amendment
Babar, in the statement, maintained that the PPP rejects the claim of federal interior minister that the Sindh government and assembly were seeking unconstitutional annulment or abridgement of a federal law, namely the Anti Terrorism Act.
Neither the Sindh Assembly nor the provincial government has sought to annul the federal law, he added.
"At no stage the provincial government has called for annulling or abridging the ATA or any other federal law," said Babar.
Earlier, Sindh Finance Minister Murad Ali Shah, in an apparent reaction to Chaudhry Nisar's statement said that "federal government has taken an 'unconstitutional' step today (Tuesday)".
Talking to media, Shah also rejected Chaudhry Nisar's earlier claim that the federal government is providing Rs9 billion for Rangers' expenses in Sindh.
"This claim of providing Sindh a sum of Rs9 billion annually for Rangers is incorrect," said the provincial finance minister.
Related: Federal govt spends Rs9bn annually on Sindh Rangers, asserts Nisar
Senior PPP leader Khursheed Shah also objected upon the move questioning Nisar's conduct of not taking Sindh chief minister into confidence over the matter.
The adviser to Sindh chief minister on information, Maula Bux Chandio, said that the federation is overtaking Sindh Assembly's authority.
"We have full confidence in Rangers, our objection is upon the federation," said Chandio.
He was of the view that the problems created for provinces by the federation will also have impacts on federation.
The federal interior ministry, however, rejected the provincial finance minister's claim and said that Nisar never claimed that the amount spent on Rangers in Sindh is given directly to Sindh government.
The statement released by interior ministry asserted that the federation spends Rs9 billion annually on paramilitary force in Sindh and the details regarding the expenditure will be released in the newspapers.
About the recent move to grant Rangers policing powers, the ministry maintained that if anyone has objection towards the move, he or she can access the court.
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On DawnNews
Comments (90) Closed
Dec 23, 2015 12:53am
Call it what you like.
But this must be seen through.
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Dec 23, 2015 12:55am
good decision by federal govt..Keep it up. Karachi people support this deicision.
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Dec 23, 2015 12:58am
What about my - a common man - rights to live in peacefully and safely. The MPs in Sind Assembly did not care when my life was in danger - I support Ranger as my faith in Police has eroded over the years.
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Dec 23, 2015 01:04am
PPP dacoit group believes no corruption no federation.
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Dec 23, 2015 01:06am
As opposed to your looting of Sindh? The PPP destroyed Pakistan, I hope Pakistan can destroy the PPP.
Rex Minor
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Dec 23, 2015 01:06am
"The Pakistan People’s Party will not permit this invasion of the provincial domain..." You have routinely and systematically invaded the Nation's exchequer for number of years and considered it a personal property. Now it is the time for accountability and some sensible actions by the Federal Government. Live with it.
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Dec 23, 2015 01:07am
Just don't save the corrupt !!!
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Dec 23, 2015 01:07am
This is NOT invasion, it is called 'Cleansing of Corruption', PPP should get their acts together and root out the corruption and get rid of their corrupt leaders.
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Dec 23, 2015 01:09am
Invasion my foot. Rangers operate under directives of Parliament and Ministry of interior. They're doing their jobs and doing a good job of it. The only people upset about improving law and order are those who thrive off chaos, arms/drugs trade and land mafia - certain political parties who quite frankly should be banned in the first place.
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Dec 23, 2015 01:10am
If PPP government is Sindh is really sincere about taking advantage of Rangers support in Sindh then why are they so reluctant to extend Rangers tenure without any amendments to the request. How come Zardari, sitting overseas advising the government what's right and what's wrong, if he is so concerned then why is he avoiding coming back to Pakistan. Why PPP government is bending over backwards to protect Dr Asim. Let the court decide about him and PPP should try to get their house in order. Zardari sahib, don't be so week and show some courage, come back and lead your party rather than sitting in the comfort of Dubai/England. Come and face the nation.
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Dec 23, 2015 01:11am
under what law federal Gov is imposing its will upon Sindh Gov .Those applauding federal gov needs to understand constitution.Federal gov should go by the book instead of donning holier than thou cloack ..Rangers derived their powers frm constitution and now wants to circumvent it ??
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Dec 23, 2015 01:16am
PPP please stop crying, you guys demolished pakistan when you had the federal government and now you want to ruin Sindh!
GO GO POWER RANGERS!
Long live Nisar!
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Dec 23, 2015 01:21am
#thankyouRaheelSharif
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Dec 23, 2015 01:23am
Why the Sindh govt not extending rangers powers with the same authority if people of Karachi are happy with
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Dec 23, 2015 01:26am
It is clear that the Federal Government has overstepped its limits by ignoring the resolution in the Sindh provincial assembly which is the supreme representative body of the people in the province of Sindh. Needless to say that this action is neither in the national interest nor should be considered as patriotic under any circumstances. It is this self-righteous and dictatorial culture of governance which has gotten us in this place to begin with. God help us!
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Dec 23, 2015 01:30am
Good decision by Chaudhry Nisar! - PPP is one of the most corrupt party exits in modern times and it is destroying Sindh, especially Karachi.
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Dec 23, 2015 01:30am
Now, the game of powers is on.
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Dec 23, 2015 01:31am
Good job by the government. Protecting the security of the life and property of the citizen is the top priority of any civilized government. It is no secret that the lawlessness in Karachi is sustained due to gangsterism and corruption of MQM and now PPP as well.
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Dec 23, 2015 01:33am
Mr.Zardari and co. please be aware you will have to be accountable for what you have done and what you have been doing. Keep it up Chaudhry Nisar, you are the man and people love you. I am a PTI supporter but I still love you.
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Dec 23, 2015 01:34am
So the whole Sindh Govt. machinery comes into motion to save one corrupt colleague Dr. Asim. That just proves that they are all corrupts.
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Dec 23, 2015 01:38am
Not a bit surprised coming this from PPP
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Dec 23, 2015 01:40am
AA Zardari and Altaf Hussain are absentee landlords in Sindh. How can political parties be run from outside Pakistan? PPP and MQM aren't even the only ones.
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Dec 23, 2015 01:49am
Please do more power to Rangers ( without any racism and hate) in order to make better and peaceful Karachi. All parties are eating Karachi like a cake. People of Karachi living on GARBAGE and ALL MAJOR PARTIES ENJOYING TIME TO EAT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
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Dec 23, 2015 01:51am
In the USA, each of the 50 states has an army national guard. During riots or political disturbances they can be nationalized and put under the orders of the commanding general of the army at any time. The governor of the state commands the national guard, but his orders can be countermanded by the president. So can those of the Chief Minister of the Republic of Sindh.
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Dec 23, 2015 01:53am
PPPP trying to save asim with their nails shoes that how much corrupt and criminal PPPP top brass is
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Dec 23, 2015 01:56am
That is the only remedy for the corrupt PPP government only working for the corrupt.
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Dec 23, 2015 01:56am
Mr.Farhatullah Babar we do not need any permission from the worst and most corrupt Sind Assembly. Mr. Nisar please go ahead and do your job. Catch all the ppp criminals before they leave the country. Deal with them without any mercy. They don't deserve any leniency. Please start with the biggest fish first. Zardari is no more here so start with the next one Mr.CM. The list is so long, please keep a count.
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Dec 23, 2015 01:56am
And the plot thickens
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Dec 23, 2015 01:57am
Governor rule may be the ultimate option.
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Dec 23, 2015 01:58am
PPP has been invaded by Corrupt and Selfish characters.
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Dec 23, 2015 02:00am
It would be better to dismiss the provincial government and have elections again after arresting and imprisoning all guilty persons which would probably mean the majority of PPP MPAs. The people of Sindh cannot be held hostage to criminality in the name of democracy. If democracy is to work, the criminals must be sent to jail and punished.
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Dec 23, 2015 02:00am
Federal government must educate Sindhi brothers about the provincial governments acts of supporting looters and plunderers.
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Dec 23, 2015 02:05am
so army operation is underway in Fata, KPK, Balochistan and now Sindh. Hope sense prevails.
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Dec 23, 2015 02:07am
Let PPP carryout its corruption and terrorism otherwise federation will become in danger.
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Dec 23, 2015 02:10am
Thanks for the fed . min you brave !!!
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Dec 23, 2015 02:13am
In Sndh, corruption and mismanagement is bigger problem than terrorism . If this is not tackled simultaneously, terrorism will be back no sooner Rangers go back. Sindh Chief Minister is crying for over stepping Sindh Government powers . What about Sindh Government taking all powers of Karachi local government.
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Dec 23, 2015 02:27am
Let us do corruption, else it is invasion of Sind, attack on provincial autonomy blah blah blah.
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Dec 23, 2015 02:29am
I think these effort are being made to keep everyone busy in a complex story to keep their incompetence under veil.
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Dec 23, 2015 02:35am
These politicians never get tired of playing the "province" card.
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Dec 23, 2015 02:42am
Hey PPP why are you so scared?
You smell guilty.
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Dec 23, 2015 02:50am
Eradicate all criminals from sindh
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Dec 23, 2015 02:51am
Well done Ch Nisar
I am not supporter of PMLN but i must say you are doing great job
We need Rangers for peace in Karachi
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Dec 23, 2015 02:56am
PPP invaded whole Pakistan and looted the money. Rangers are just trying to bring those culprits to justice.
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Dec 23, 2015 03:05am
Maintaining law & order does not equate occupation of Sind.
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Dec 23, 2015 03:12am
Mr. BILAWAL BHUTTO ZARDARI, cant you see and realize that Sindh is invaded by highly incompetent and inefficient politicians and officers belonging to PPP and MQM. Let Pakistan Rangers complete their job.
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Dec 23, 2015 03:16am
Give the powers for six months, then review it the progress ...
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Dec 23, 2015 03:32am
Dhamkian by saien sarkaaar..,
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Dec 23, 2015 03:33am
God bless rangers and Pakistan...
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Dec 23, 2015 03:35am
PPP speaks highly of its party interests and don't ever care about the national interests of Pakistan..
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Dec 23, 2015 03:36am
Thank you Federal Government.
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Dec 23, 2015 03:38am
Breakdown of constitutional roles in a Federal state will be extremely dangerous. Federal government can impose Governor's rule, but cannot bypass Provincial assembly.
As for many commentators congratulating Federal Interior minister's decision have myopic picture, or they do not want to understand the Constitution.
Mob mentality, overnight magic, using military everywhere will damage the federation, and nothing else.
It would be good if Dawn can start throwing light on Pakistani Constitution, and the rights and roles of Federal and Provincial government would be very beneficial, at this stage.
Pray that federation is not harmed.
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Dec 23, 2015 03:40am
Rangers is doing good job ............ taking smile from corrupt people and returning to poor ...........
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Dec 23, 2015 03:43am
well done Nisar. as for the ppp,all their leaders should be be put on the ECL,thoroughly investigated,starting with the ex meter reader khurshid shah to find out they accumulated their wealth and became billionaires and then they should be prosecuted,all their assets seized and hanged so that in future no one else will dare to do what these people have done to Pakistan.
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Dec 23, 2015 03:51am
@Fazal Karim what about other provinces. Is corruption not an issue there. The money spent on Rangers in Sind should be spent on educating poor people in the area that's the only way you can get rid of corruption. If we don't spent on people you will need a much bigger army to control them. This is not a wise decision.
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Dec 23, 2015 03:53am
PPP have some shame
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Dec 23, 2015 04:10am
So instead of creating a framework for the Rangers in order to improve the law and order situation the PPP wants to scuttle all the efforts and return the province to its previous condition.
What a sad commentary on this dead party. Why do the people even want them? They think Bilawal will be PM?
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Dec 23, 2015 04:14am
federation has no right to exist if it falls by rounding up of few crooks.
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Dec 23, 2015 04:17am
Since Rangers have been assigned the task of bringing normalcy to Karachi they have been doing their duty to the best of their capacity and Karachi today is much more peaceful and tranquil and for that their efforts and their scruples have to be appreciated.
Still the fact remains as it is that a human is a human and the Rangers are human too and there is possibility of their committing some mistakes or even blunders.
To rectify this situation the Federal Government must keep a serious and sincere watch over their actions and performance and if there is a mistake or a blunder it should immediately be corrected and rectified.
For the affected party, if it feels that the situation is not corrected the doors of courts should be kept open so that their objections or grievances could be addressed and mitigated.
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Dec 23, 2015 04:33am
Soon there will be a deal between AZ and NS and all will be normal. In Pakistan this is the art of the impossible, though not possible anywhere else.
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Dec 23, 2015 04:36am
I commend the Interior Minister for doing a good job.The PPP govt in Sind is rolling in corruption and not doing any service to the citizens of Sindh.In fact the CM should be replaced by some younger person who spends more of his time working than sleeping.
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Dec 23, 2015 04:48am
PPP has given nothing to the people of Sindh - rural or urban. After ruling it for majority of last 27 years most cities of Sindh give look of an ancient civilization. They should be ashamed of their performance and delivery rather than trying to protect their turf just for the sake of power grab...
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Dec 23, 2015 04:48am
PPP should not be scared if they are clean and have nothing to hide. Unfortunately this party and its joint chairman Zardari has set new benchmarks in political and instituitional corruption.
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Dec 23, 2015 05:21am
When the political leadership crossed all limits of corruption, nepotism, favoritism and bad governance, then, the people were left with no option but to look toward army for rescue. In the person General Raheel Sharif- a man impressive personality- they found him as their Saviour. The people's expectations from General Raheel Sharif are increasing more and more with the passage of time. Hope he comes up to their expectations.
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Dec 23, 2015 05:38am
If Sindh government think that it has done nothing wrong then why agitating. The agitation proves that there is something wrong which they could not hide in presence of Rangers.
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Dec 23, 2015 05:41am
Perfect notification issued by interior ministry
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Dec 23, 2015 05:43am
Clean Pakistan, not only SINDH, but very GOOD start. ..keep it up till all corrupts are under earth forever.
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Dec 23, 2015 05:48am
People of Sindh and Lyari are the poorest of poor because of PPP.
Sindhi politicians cannot use fool people anymore.
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Dec 23, 2015 05:53am
Start sweeping the Sindh from internal enemies and set them back to their deserving position. We are with Rangers and Pak Army, any meddling in their security matter is not only a concern of the Pak Army, rather a concern of the entire nation. Pak Army is entrusted to defend the country from internal and external enemies on all fronts and this is what very much framed in the country constitution.
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Dec 23, 2015 05:54am
If anything more power to the Rangers. Zardari and PPP cohorts hath no end to greed and corruption. GO PPP GO
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Dec 23, 2015 06:12am
Well, if the federal government has violated the constitution by arbitrarily extending the rangers' authority, as claimed by the Sindh Finance Minister and others, they should immediately file a petition with Supreme Court. So what are they waiting for.
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Dec 23, 2015 06:13am
Ppp is scared because they know they are corrupted. Why are u scared if ur clean
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Dec 23, 2015 06:37am
This statement of "invasion" is borderline treason in any democracy.
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Dec 23, 2015 06:44am
Constitutional experts can only comment on legalities of steps being taken by parties but people of Pakistan are fed up with these mega corrupt politicians and would favor any step to stop and eradicate the menace and bring the culprits to the court of law.
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Dec 23, 2015 06:50am
This matter only Sindhis & Karachites should decide. All comments by non residents of Karachi also does not carry any weights.
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Dec 23, 2015 06:55am
Isn't it funny as well as demoralizing that how these people use constitution to save their criminal deeds. They have eaten up thousands of billion rupees and they still want to go on with it under the name of democracy and constitution.
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Dec 23, 2015 07:06am
Most of problems in sind ARE due to corruption
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Dec 23, 2015 07:07am
Well done nisar...a good and wise step.
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Dec 23, 2015 07:25am
Not 'invasion of Sindh', it's 'invasion of criminals' to be honest..
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Dec 23, 2015 07:27am
@Hamood Corruption looks to be limited to PPP only and the rest parties are angels in this country.
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Dec 23, 2015 08:03am
Take it easy Sain!
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Dec 23, 2015 08:10am
PPP has unmasked itself through tussle with Ranger's power!
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Dec 23, 2015 08:20am
PPP knows they will be next.
where is Zaradari hiding now a days
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Dec 23, 2015 08:49am
It is not invasion of Sindh, Shah Jee. Majority of the Sindhis are honest and trusting people. Action is against only the corrupt minority which is eating away public resources.
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Dec 23, 2015 08:54am
@Zafar Ahmed
All corrupt need to be punished, Sir. Let it start first. Everyone cannot be punished at one time. Others turn will come too. It is not a fair excuse that if one can loot, others can loot too. It is better that all corrupt are punished, one after the other though.
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Dec 23, 2015 08:57am
@Zafar Ahmed
PML(N) and PPPP are blamed for taking turns in the government. Now. please allow them to punish the corrupt in the other too.
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Dec 23, 2015 09:13am
The only problem is lack of education on the part of Co chairman and his spokesman. They forget the Federal Government's power start where their nose ends.
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Dec 23, 2015 09:20am
Being PTI supporter, I endorse Nisar's decision on Ranger's powers. Good step!
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Dec 23, 2015 09:21am
Actually, the Federal Govt. did what people of Karachi are demanding. It is, obviously, good decision taken by Interior Ministry. No political party should raise the voice against the decision and should understand the need of time rather than making hurdles politically.
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Dec 23, 2015 12:25pm
Seems the PPP is not aware or simply does not care about what the common man in Karachi wishes! Rangers have brought peace of mind to the Karachi residents as there is a major improvement in the general law and order situation. Maybe this does not suit the ulterior motives of their high -ups! Well done Interior Ministry..we are with you in this decision.
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Dec 23, 2015 05:19pm
PPP speaks highly of its party interests and don't ever care about the national interests of Pakistan..
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