Rangers, police given shoot on sight powers in Karachi

KARACHI - The Sindh government has given Rangers and police powers to shoot on sight miscreants involved in target killings in the province.

Besides, the government also extended to three months the period given to law enforces to continue their raid, search and arrest operations under the Anti-Terror Act (ATA).

A decision on extending these powers to the law enforcement agencies was taken late on Saturday at a meeting between Sindh government officials and Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik, following last week’s shooting incidents that left 40 people dead and hundreds injured.

During the meeting, the city police force came under severe criticism over its inefficiency in combating target killings that left the provincial government with no other option but to engage Rangers to overpower criminals.

The government also imposed a ban on display of arms, hoisting of political parties flags and banners in public places, on roads and buildings and warned violators of strict punishment.

It also announced a reward of Rs10 million for providing information on elements involved in recent target killings in Karachi.
Khaleej Times