IT is ironic that the Sindh Rangers have to seek special powers from the provincial government for operations against outlaws, hardened criminals and terrorists in the interior of Sindh. Each time the approved duration of operation expires, the Rangers have to struggle to get the permission renewed. This happens repeatedly and the chief minister then runs to Dubai. Is it not a big joke? Such a manoeuvre gives the impression that the Sindh government wants to delay the whole exercise to give protection to their favourites involved in unlawful activities.

PPP stalwarts argue that when there is an operation against criminals in Sindh, why such an operation should not be launched in Punjab. I tend to agree with them. The state should take this issue very seriously because when a province shows reluctance in giving such a permission, it gives the impression that the province has stood in defiance.

There is, therefore, a dire need for carrying out necessary amendment to the constitution and make the Rangers or Frontier Constabulary issue a federal subject to avoid confrontation with the provincial government.

Safir Siddiqui

South Dakota, US

Published in Dawn, July 26th, 2016