The Sindh home department on Monday submitted a summary to the provincial chief minister's office proposing a 90-day extension in the policing powers granted to the Rangers in Karachi Division.

The special policing powers granted to Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, by the Sindh government under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997 to carry out raids and arrest suspects are set to expire on April 15.

The summary seeks a three-month extension in the Ranger's powers in accordance with a Sindh Assembly resolution that allows the deployment of the paramilitary force in the city.

If approved by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, the summary will be forwarded to the federal government. If an extension is granted, the Rangers will be granted powers till July 13.

In January, the Sindh government approved a 90-day extension in the special powers of the Pakistan Rangers for 90 days in Karachi.

The Rangers ‘operation’ against criminal elements in Pakistan’s commercial hub was initiated back in September 2013 when the federal cabinet empowered the paramilitary force to lead a targeted advance 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.

A report issued by the paramilitary force at the end of 2016 stated that the Rangers had conducted 1,992 operations across the city over the year through which more than 2,847 suspected criminals were taken into custody.