KARACHI: Pakistan Rangers Sindh in a statement issued on Tuesday said some “extremist and anti-state elements are engaged in a conspiracy to destabilise the security situation in Karachi” and that certain elements working in conjunction with “anti-state armed groups” are “panicking” in light of gains made during the Karachi operation.

The statement by the paramilitary force also said that anti-state elements are using certain high-profile personalities to try and mislead the masses, and that such a conspiracy is against the people and state of Pakistan.

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Rangers requested the people and the media to verify all information from the force’s representative, asking them not to believe rumours that have recently been making rounds.

The ‘operation’ against criminal elements in Pakistan’s commercial hub was initiated back in September 2013 after the federal cabinet empowered Rangers to lead a targeted advance with the support of police against criminals already identified by federal military and civilian agencies for their alleged involvement in targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, extortion and terrorism in Karachi.

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According to the recently compiled figures, since September 5, 2013, the paramilitary force has conducted some 5,795 operations and apprehended 10,353 suspects that ranged from street criminals to terrorists.

“During these operations, the Rangers recovered some 7,312 weapons of different caliber,” said a source citing details of the figures. “Among the arrested persons, 826 are terrorists, 334 hit men, 296 extortionists and 82 are kidnappers. Of the arrested suspects, 4,950 have already been handed over to the police for further investigation and legal process,” the source added.

The Sindh government had extended, on July 9, the special policing powers assigned to Rangers in the province for a month, which were later extended for a year on July 17.