KARACHI: The ‘special powers’ which were given to Rangers paramilitary force expired after midnight and Sindh government returned the summary for extension.
The paramilitary force enjoys special powers that allow them to conduct raids, detain and interrogate suspects for up to 120 days.
The summary for extension of the special powers was sent to Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Qaim Ali Shah but it was not approved.
It is important to mention that Rangers powers had in the past been extended at the very last moment. Since last year however the extension duration has been shortened. In November 2014 the Rangers were granted powers till July 2015, but in July the powers were only extended for 30-days restricting the jurisdiction only to the city of Karachi. In August the powers were again extended for a period of four months, which expired tonight.