KARACHI: After a lull ostensibly arising out of perceived controversy over Rangers’ policing powers between the Centre and the Sindh Government, the paramilitary force has vowed to continue the operation with “full force” against target killers, terrorists and other criminal elements.

According to a statement issued by Rangers, it has started conducting targets raids for the arrest of suspects belonging to banned religious outfits and ‘militant wings’ presumably associated with the political parties.

The paramilitary force claimed on Saturday to have conducted targeted raids on alleged hideouts of banned outfits and ‘militant wings’ and announced the arrest of six suspects.

“These arrests were made in Bilal Colony, Lyari, al-Falah, Gulistan-i-Jauhar and Gulberg respectively,” the statement added.

The Rangers spokesperson said that the apprehended suspects belonged to banned militant groups and one of them was an ‘extortionist’ belonging to ‘the militant wing’ of a political party. However, the official declined to name the political party.

The paramilitary force vowed to “continue the operation with full force till arrest of last terrorist, targeted killer and other criminals”.

The Rangers urged the citizens of Karachi to keep strict vigil on suspicious persons in their surroundings and inform them on Rangers helpline 1101 through phone or SMS.

After much deliberation, the interior ministry gave a 60-day extension in the special policing powers of Rangers in Sindh, after a meeting at the ministry chaired by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan.

"The provincial assembly does not reserve the authority to amend the federal laws," the interior ministry said in a statement.