People of Karachi want Rangers-led operation: Imran Khan

E-Paper | April 28, 2026

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan on Friday said that the terrorists will again start killing innocent people in Karachi once the Rangers are called back from the metropolis, DawnNews reported.

Speaking to media in Lahore, Imran Khan said that a number of policemen were killed after the 92 operation in Karachi leaving the police unable to conduct such an operation in city.

"People of Karachi want a Rangers-led operation," claimed the PTI chief.

On his arrival at the Lahore airport, Imran said that the government's announcement to join the Saudi-led anti-terrorism alliance was a wrong decision. He maintained that the government should hold a debate on parliament over the issue.

While praising the country-wide anti-terror operation Zarb-i-Azb, the PTI chief opined that the whole country will suffer if the operation is stopped or halted for any reason.

He also accused the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) of collectively looting the people of Sindh, adding "the situation of Karachi is the real test of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's governance".

The Sindh Assembly on Wednesday passed a resolution asking for implementation of checks and conditions on Rangers’ special powers to raid and arrest suspects.

The resolution states that Rangers will only have powers with respect to the following:

Target killing
Extortion
Kidnapping for ransom
Sectarian killing

The resolution, which was approved by the House, was criticised by opposition members who claimed the government wanted to seriously curtail the paramilitary force’s powers.

The Christmas event

Later, Imran Khan attended an event marking Christmas in Township and greeted the Christian community on their annual festival.

Shunila Ruth, PTI's minority wing president in Punjab, along with other party leaders Chaudhry Sarwar and Ejaz Chaudhry accompanied him during the event.

Also Read: Rangers ‘backbone’ of operation against terrorism: Corps Commander

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Pakistan

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Adnan

Dec 18, 2015 11:22pm

IK will all due respect you have no mandate to speak on behalf of Karachi or Sindhi people.

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Daood

Dec 18, 2015 11:28pm

Well I never though I will say this but IK is right. (this time)

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Rikshawala

Dec 18, 2015 11:29pm

I want Rangers in Karachi for my kids and family future.

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Nooru52

Dec 18, 2015 11:30pm

He is right once Karachi will clean whole country will be clean

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Philosopher (from Japan)

Dec 18, 2015 11:31pm

Speaking on behalf of karachiites with 1.87% mandate.

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Dec 18, 2015 11:34pm

Yes, I agree with Immi , dont curtail Rangers powers, peace was only restored after giving rangers unconditional special powers.

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Naseem

Dec 18, 2015 11:46pm

@Adnan He is saying the same thing what people of Karachi are asking for. It's not a question of mandate, but value of human life, which will again be lost if we still go back to wild west of 2013 and before.

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Hopeful

Dec 18, 2015 11:53pm

@Adnan He may have no mandate but he is correct.

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Unshackle Pakistan

Dec 18, 2015 11:59pm

The point here is that civil gov't is sending a message to rangers and army. Sooner or later rangers are likely to be back but by orders of the civilian gov't. Civilians are reasserting their right to choosing their leaders instead of military being the overlord.

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Ali A. Jamal

Dec 19, 2015 12:28am

Rubbish political statements. Instead Capital City Police force shouldbe improvd for sustainable results. No-body talking about that!!!

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Observer

Dec 19, 2015 12:43am

Mr. Khan, you would have won the Karachi Municipal election, if you understand what people of Karachi wants.

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Khan, Brunei

Dec 19, 2015 12:45am

@Philosopher (from Japan) ... Majority parties are killing, collecting extortion money and you still vote... for them???

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Zak

Dec 19, 2015 12:51am

The only leader of hope,who will turn the country towards right direction and prosperity and Justice. We want to see him PM

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Dec 19, 2015 12:53am

The solution is to strengthen laws and their enforcement. Depoliticize police so that it protects law and order instead of rich and powerful. Rangers should be used to help stabilize the police force and get it out of the clutches of political parties pressures. If police does its job then there is no need for the rangers. Rangers are not a permanent solution and sooner or later they must go back to the barracks otherwise the danger is that they might succumb to corruption too.

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Rikshawala

Dec 19, 2015 12:53am

@Adnan You don't have mandate for not permitting someone to speak.

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Rex Minor

Dec 19, 2015 01:04am

Sindh enjoying the fruits of democracy, enjoy!

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Sozia shareen

Dec 19, 2015 01:08am

Please ask rangers to do what they were doing before. Please dont take our sleeps away and save us from those corrupt parties.

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tango

Dec 19, 2015 01:11am

IK can speak anything he wants

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MAK-PAK

Dec 19, 2015 01:16am

It appears someone behind this pushing button of target killing or kidnapping for ransom. Whenever peace prevails in Karachi for sometime and existence of rangers in question someone presses the button and target killing and street crimes increase to show need of rangers in Karachi. Is rangers a permanent solution for peace in Karachi? Someone does not want to give power to politically elected people.

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Dec 19, 2015 01:17am

I completely agree with IK. I would suggest MQM please do not support PPP against curtailing Rangers rights in anyways. Why Sindh govt. is so keen to restrict Rangers' functionalities? to hide their mega corruption? so they can keep looting the country! Only Dr Asim is under Rangers custody and so much fuss of it after having looted the country since 1970 and before! See what happened to Ayyan case? Whole PPP lobby was behind her release despite having been caught red handed! I think there is a limit to corruption, looting, killing etc.... Karachi's forthcoming Maoyr shall cooperate completely with Rangers. If we have no security or stability, no productive work can be done. Moreover, its the Federal which is paying for Rangers' operation so why even think to stop it from Karachi's perspective! I would suggest to Mayor and Sind governor to clean MQM from criminals. Its proven that after ruling Sindh Metropolitcan cities for decades, MQM did not cross its border for an inch!

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MAK-PAK

Dec 19, 2015 01:19am

Clearly IK has MQM-phobia. IK cannot accept his shameful defeat in recent elections in Karachi and strives to malign MQM here an there. He knows MQM is neither in the government nor supporting PPP but still he insists on his biased views.

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Mudassir

Dec 19, 2015 01:21am

Respected IK how you can speak on behalf of the people of Karachi, because they didn't vote you in local govt elections. you are not representative of Karachi. Yes you can talk on behalf of KP people.

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Aziz Khanjhee

Dec 19, 2015 01:21am

To all saying IK does not have mandate to speak on behalf of Karachi- Much good MQM and PPP have done Sindh. Please keep voting for them! Your votes are the reason we are still having this conversation. I am from Karachi and Rangers should be granted all powers necessary to clean up this city. If you feel otherwise, you are a part of the problem my friends.

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adnan

Dec 19, 2015 01:28am

@Hopeful then install military rule and endure sanctions,,, mr. "he is RIGHT" who asked you IK? who ASKED U?. stop trying to play and scare NS. you and PTI have single handedly proven NS is invincible. now relax

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MIRZA

Dec 19, 2015 01:36am

This man has no solutions. Just criticisms

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MIRZA

Dec 19, 2015 01:37am

@Ali A. Jamal Most of the police officers are from interior Sindh , loyal to PPP. how can they do anything for the betterment of Karachi or its citizens.

Recommend 0

Dec 19, 2015 01:59am

You do not need a mandate to say something that is right

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anony

Dec 19, 2015 02:01am

I agree to having Rangers in Karachi so that my family is well protected.

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Khan

Dec 19, 2015 02:04am

I can't believe I agree with Imran for a change. Joining the Saudi alliance is a terrible mistake. It will ruin relations with Iran and Russia and heighten sectarianism. I generally support a Nawaz Sharif, but this is a grave mistake.

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Hangman

Dec 19, 2015 02:09am

@Adnan IK have all the rights to speak against all ill doings in any part of the country.

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Hangman

Dec 19, 2015 02:15am

@Philosopher (from Japan) MQM with 3% and PPP with 4%. Not much difference. That was the turn out in LB elections.

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Nadeem

Dec 19, 2015 02:19am

@Adnan Who has the mandate then? MQM / PPP, who have been involved in killing of innocents?

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K J

Dec 19, 2015 02:21am

Imran Khan, people of Karachi have rejected you in recent elections. Stop being a false leader of Karachi.

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Syed Hasni

Dec 19, 2015 02:27am

Khan is a smart leader but unfortunately he did not get any mandate from the people of Sindh. A lot of the time he just say things which he feel is the truth amounting to being delusional or he should reveal his source , irrespective that if the administration really needs Rangers. He will loose credibility in the long run if he cannot back his statements.

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Nadeem

Dec 19, 2015 02:30am

@Ali A. Jamal Who will improve the police, the same provincial assembly who's resisting the operation? :-)

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TZaman

Dec 19, 2015 02:30am

Dear Mr. Imran Khan, We the Karachites just voted in LG election, which showed that we do not follow your lines. Since we did not vote for you, so please do not try to say anything from my city's view. If want to do politics, please take it to KPK and Punjab.

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Khan- Pakistani

Dec 19, 2015 02:35am

@Daood and thats what you say everytime !

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Javed Arshad

Dec 19, 2015 02:57am

Listen to a good advice even if it comes from Timbuctoo with zero mandate. Mandate has been there with MQM and PPP in Sind for as long as one can remember - have they delivered ?

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Tim

Dec 19, 2015 03:48am

He never has any clue what he is talking, just goes with the wind Unfortunately it seems he has lost it. He can't make friends even nor enemies

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Zafar

Dec 19, 2015 04:04am

@Naseem Those against rangers have other priorities than the value of life and liberty of Karachiites!

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Zafar

Dec 19, 2015 04:05am

For the "mandate walas" 13% people voted in LB elections in Karachi. There is your mandate!

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Azhar Malik

Dec 19, 2015 04:11am

For a peaceful Karachi, people mandate in favour of MQM should be respected as it was respected in KPK. The city government in Karachi should be given all the requisite constitutional powers which will give confidence and ownership to the people representative in Karachi. Definitely MQM will make all possible efforts to ensure peace and good law and order situation in Karachi for the people who have voted for MQM.

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J.Niaz

Dec 19, 2015 04:30am

@Daood I agree with you. Glad Imran Khan has said this.

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zain

Dec 19, 2015 04:47am

Before praising Imran people should give credit to MQM for their request to bring rangers in Sindh not just Karachi. Even though MQM has suffered heavey handedness by the law enforcement agencies they still support rangers for the peace of Sindh.

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Haque Parast

Dec 19, 2015 04:58am

Actually people of Karachi wants you to mind your own business.

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Salman

Dec 19, 2015 04:59am

I was born and raised in Karachi. My family migrated from India after partition. I want rangers to clean up the mess in Karachi. And please don't go after the petty thieves, catch the thugs and white collar criminals.

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Salman

Dec 19, 2015 05:01am

@Adnan It is almost like I tell you .. "You don't have any mandate to talk about politics, because 1) you did not get any votes, 2) you are not in provincial or National Assembly."

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IMRAN

Dec 19, 2015 05:10am

IK has continously been rejected by people of Karachi. Karachi needs to be govern by a Karachitte of any ethnicity. Too much of Punjab and interior establishment. Open your eyes for once.

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Zafar

Dec 19, 2015 05:27am

That's why they voted MQM

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Cyrus

Dec 19, 2015 05:36am

Imran Khan has arrived late, but just in time to jump on the band wagon.

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Azhar Hussain

Dec 19, 2015 05:41am

@Adnan But you people gave the mandate to the same leaders who made your daily lives living hell. Enjoy the ride again, smart man.

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Anwar Saeed. USA

Dec 19, 2015 06:15am

I agree 100% with Imran Khan's statement regarding Pakistan's decision to join Saudi led anti-terrorism alliance. It was a wrong decision. Pakistan's corrupt political leaders are under the influence of money. Imran is also correct that Rangers should must in Karachi. I want Ranger to stay in Karachi for good.

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Anwar Saeed. USA

Dec 19, 2015 06:19am

@Hopeful . You do not have to have mandate to tell the truth.

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altaf

Dec 19, 2015 06:38am

long live IK!

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Tariq Rashid

Dec 19, 2015 06:39am

Rangers still have the powers to curb the below crimes : Target killing Extortion Kidnapping for ransom Sectarian killing and as per my knowledge rangers were initially deployed in Karachi to solve these problems and that was main problem for the citizens of Karachi. Now why ordinary citizens are fearing that rangers cannot protect them after this bill. Arresting on corruption charges is not the job of rangers, already we have institutions like FIA, NAB etc.. . Let them do this job, if people think that they will not do this job, then please ask the federal Govt. to demolish these institutions as we are spending billions of Rs. on these institutions atleast this money will be utilized on some better jobs

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Dec 19, 2015 06:41am

@Adnan With due respect neither do you. but he is the leader of the largest party of Pakistan so in a sense yes he has mandate

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Naveed

Dec 19, 2015 06:42am

Yes we need Ranger to maintain law and order in Sindh but we also need a inquiry in APS.

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Naveed

Dec 19, 2015 06:45am

@Adnan Is Karachi not a part of Pakistan and isn't IK a Pakistani National figure enjoying support of Pakistani masses.

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Dilectus

Dec 19, 2015 06:54am

Totally agree with IK. If MQM with only 20% mandate of karachiites can act as if Karachi is their personal property then IK has every right to speak as national leader having following in every province.

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aamir

Dec 19, 2015 06:56am

@Adnan He should go to KPK and learn to not to use word Pakhtoon again and again in his campaign to make them emotional on ethnic basis.

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aamir

Dec 19, 2015 06:59am

@Hopeful Make city's own police system advance as happen in any metropolitan in the world. If people would truly like your suggestion they would have voted Pti, please get out of prejudice.

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aamir

Dec 19, 2015 07:02am

@KP Make local police system advance as happens in any metropolis in the world. If Karachiites would like your suggestion they would have voted to pti. They do not it again and again. Please understand and get out of prejudice.

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PAK

Dec 19, 2015 07:50am

I K is making two contradicting statements. On one side he is asking for discussion in the parliament for joining Saudi Led coalition , where he is absolutly right but on the other hand he is kind of rejecting the sind mandate and the Sindh parliament. Though the Sindh government is portrayed to be corrupt and incompetent, but it is the main contributor of revenue and energy to the country, how it is possible that the most corrupt and incompetent government is giving us the highest revenue We must stop defining corruption for our own benefit, this will not help the country, way above all other Spend money on empowering people through education and training, they will not vote for the corrupt politician or work for corrupt people. Need to make Judiciary and police strong so no politician can exploit them

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Syed Atif Jafri

Dec 19, 2015 07:54am

@Adnan: You gave the mandate to the people who are now abusing, robbing,exploiting and killing. Our people only give mandate to thugs.

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Khan- Pakistani

Dec 19, 2015 08:05am

IK you are totally a paper horse !

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Khan- Pakistani

Dec 19, 2015 08:06am

IK always try to remain in news . He is a evening newspaper leader.

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Carando1

Dec 19, 2015 08:52am

@Adnan Who cares? He has the right to speak!

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Carando1

Dec 19, 2015 08:53am

@Khan- Pakistani Nice try....go regroup.

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Carando1

Dec 19, 2015 08:54am

@altaf Who is he? (in relation to the I and I that is)

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Carando1

Dec 19, 2015 08:55am

@Haque Parast THat's what Justin Kane said too!

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Kala Ingrez - کالا انگریز - काला अंग्रेज - কালো ইংরাজি

Dec 19, 2015 10:48pm

Hear, hear. we hear you and with you comrade. We also think Karachi needs you too - as a matter of fact the whole Pakistan needs you including Sind. So, Imran, get your self better advisers, analysts, and observers along with a bride and residence from Karachi.

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