Powerless Rangers will be unable to discharge duties, be withdrawn: PESA

Lahore: The Pakistan Ex-servicemen Association on Thursday said the latest step of the Sindh Government showing its intent to curtail powers of the Rangers with particular reference to fight against terrorism is against the national interests.

Lt Gen Ali Kuli Khan, President of PESA and members of the Executive Council observed this in an emergency meeting held to analyse the situation.

They said that the latest Resolution passed by the Provincial Assembly is reported to have removed offences relating to terrorism from the charter of responsibilities of Rangers.

In members view, the most damaging clause relates to taking away the powers to detain persons suspected of aiding and abetting terrorists or by way of terror financing or facilitating terrorists without prior approval of the chief minister.

Enactment of this clause would practically mean that the terrorist is never arrested as hardly any terrorist is ever arrested red handed. Arrests of actual terrorists are always made through the links provided by facilitators and abettors, they said.

In case of suicide bombers, the Rangers would have to be satisfied with bombers skull only. If implemented, this clause will reduce powers of Rangers to lower than police and bring them at par with Chowkidars.

Members were at a loss to understand what would be the meanings of ‘logical conclusion’. In case the Sindh Government does not change its new policy, PESA would prefer withdrawal of Rangers to prevent their humiliation.

Members of the Executive Council welcomed the latest interaction among leadership of Pakistan, Afghanistan and other countries affected by war in Afghanistan. Hope was expressed that this interaction would lead the way to peace. Members also appreciated the way ceremonies were organized to honour shaheeds of Army Public School Peshawar. It showed National resolve of never to give in to power of the terrorists.

Vice Admiral Ahmad Tasnim, Brig Mian Mahmud, Lt Gen Naeem Akbar, Brig Arbi Khan, Brig Simon Sharaf, Major Farouk Hamid Khan, Major Muhammad Akram and Brig Masud ul Hassan were also present in the meeting.