YOUR paper (April 21, Metro section) carried the statement by the Rangers that asked people to carry original CNICs whenever out in the streets, otherwise they would be arrested.

May I know which law authorises the Rangers to arrest a citizen for not carrying an original CNIC? Did the original law, made during Mr Bhutto’s government, stipulate such arrests? When the old national identity card gave way to today’s CNIC, was a law promulgated asking that a citizen not carrying the original CNIC would be arrested?

Finally, why is this law for Karachi only? Acts of terror are taking place all over Pakistan. Has a similar warning been given to people throughout the country?

I wonder whether lawyers’ associations and human rights bodies will challenge this order in court. In any case, the Rangers’ order can be enforced.

Tahir Zaman

Karachi

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2015

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