Ruckus in Sindh Assembly as opposition protests over Rangers’ powers

KARACHI, December 14: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) led Sindh government failed to budge yet again on Monday as opposition lawmakers protested in the Sindh Assembly, demanding that a resolution be tabled with regard to extension in the Rangers’ stay and special powers in the province. Meanwhile the opposition parties of Sindh have demanded extension of Rangers’ powers to interior Sindh. Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah also attended the assembly session.
The provincial assembly was in session when opposition lawmakers gathered on the floor of the assembly and demanded that a resolution be tabled regarding the extension of Rangers’ powers in the province.
Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani did not grant the lawmakers’ request, saying that he may allow it only after completion of pending business on the agenda.
But, after the Speaker failed to restore order in the House amid sloganeering from opposition lawmakers gathered around his seat, the session was adjourned without any further business until today (Tuesday) 10 AM.
Agha Siraj Durrani time and again asked the opposition members to maintain order in the house but the opposition members belonging to PML-F, PML-N and PTI continued protest and shouted slogans “corruption ka jo yar hai gaddar hai gaddar hai”, “dehshat gardon ka yar hai gaddar hai gaddar hai”. Agha Siraj said if the opposition members will not listen to him he will have no choice except adjourning the session. Durrani said there is no resolution regarding extension of rangers’ power on the agenda of the house.
Senior Minister Nisar Khoro said the opposition itself did not want extension of rangers powers, adding that the opposition wants to fulfill its heinous designs. Khoro asked speaker to maintain order in assembly while using his powers.
Nisar Khuhro said in a presser after the assembly session on Monday that it would not be a wise move to remove the democratic set-up in the province and replace it with Governor’s rule.
“If Governor’s rule is implemented in Sindh, then we would resist it, like we did in 1999,” stated Khuro.
He also said that democratic institutions should given the time to take their own course. “Why can’t we wait for the assembly?”
“The law and order situation in the province has improved, so why would Governor’s rule be implemented in Sindh,” added the minister.
According to sources, the PPP has already forwarded a draft resolution with regard to the Rangers’ special powers and extension of stay to the party leadership for approval.
Sources say the draft resolution endorses the Ranger’s stay in Karachi under Article 147. The resolution will also include amendments linking the use of powers against terrorism by the Rangers with the CM’s prior permission.
The Sindh government will request in the resolution to the centre to link the Rangers’ powers given under the anti-terrorism act to four points.
According to the sources, the Rangers will not have direct authority to take action against key political figures, government offices, government officials and welfare organisations. The resolution will also demand making the four points as part of the notification to be issued with regard to the Rangers powers.