KARACHI / ISLAMABAD: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah approved on Monday a summary that would grant a 90-day extension to special powers of Rangers under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). The current 60-day extension, granted on Dec 5, was to expire on Feb 3.

The decision was conveyed to Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Monday evening when he called the CM and asked him to extend the period of special powers for Rangers so that the ongoing targeted operation in Karachi could move on unhindered.

Chaudhry Nisar, whose call came at a time when the chief minister was presiding over a cabinet meeting, assured Mr Shah that the reservations of the Sindh government would be addressed with consultation.

According to sources, the CM informed the interior minister that they had already made the decision over the Rangers powers’ issue. He renewed his invitation to the interior minister for paying a visit to Sindh.

According to a statement issued by the interior ministry, Mr Shah said that his government would send a requisition for extension in Rangers’ term by Tuesday.

Published in Dawn, February 2nd, 2016