BHITSHAH: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has said that the actions that Rangers took in Karachi recently were within the ambit of their powers but it would have been better if they had consulted the political leadership, provincial government and police who have more knowledge about the sensitive nature of the city’s different areas.

Talking to reporters at the Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai shrine on Friday, he described conflicting statements by ministers about the Rangers’ operation in parts of Karachi as the result of ‘a misunderstanding’.

“It’s not true that Rangers have exceeded their authority and it was a misunderstanding,” he said.

The chief minister said the Rangers had been exercising police powers for a long time and they took action in an area when they came to know that some criminal activity was going on there.

“Since they have powers, they can do on their own what police normally do. They had (been given) such powers and we have extended them for three months recently.”

However, he said, in view of the sensitive nature of different areas of Karachi it would have been better if the leadership, government officials or police had been consulted before launching the crackdown.

He dispelled a perception that the government had ordered the operation. “We have not taken any such decision because the law allows police to take action against criminals anywhere.”In reply to a question about local bodies’ elections, he said the government would amend the law in consultation with its allies – the MQM, PML-F, ANP and NPP – to ensure good governance in the province keeping in view its political landscape.

About a planned conference on the Karachi situation, Mr Shah said: “We have not issued invitations yet, but the PPP will consult all parties inside and outside the elected houses.”

He said suspects in target killing cases were being interrogated and they would be identified when produced in courts.