ISLAMABAD - The matter of extension in Rangers’ policing powers in Karachi dominated in the Monday’s National Assembly session, as Opposition Leader Syed Khursheed Shah warned the federal government to avoid weakening federation as it would have serious repercussions.
PPP senior leader, in a polite tone, conveyed to the federal government that chief minister Sindh will discuss the matter with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif before taking any step.
“We (PPP) will wait for PM Nawaz Sharif’s return to country who is on two-day visit abroad, as he has asked CM Sindh to discuss this matter with him,” said Khursheed Shah.
He said if the federal government wants to impose governor rule or emergency then it should keep in mind that there would be dire consequences for taking any such step.
“You (federal government) are welcome to impose governor rule, emergency or adopt any other choice in your mind...Keep in mind this war will not end here,” he said, adding that PPP was also not worried about any video of Dr Asim. “You are welcome to public video of Dr Asim but also leak video of Rana Mashod and Ishaq Dar,” he said, adding that Finance Minister Ishaq Dar had confessed his involvement in money laundering case. The Opposition leader said that PPP had granted much powers to Rangers. “Liyari was PPP’s fort but we have given powers to Rangers to restore peace...Now PPP has not much hold over this area as we sacrificed it for peace,” he added.
He said that PPP had never asked to give Punjab in the control of Rangers. “We are not fighting war for one person...Every institution should perform its work as Judiciary is there to deal with matter pertaining to it,” he remarked.
He said that PPP was not in favour of repeating old cruel politics. “We political parties) should learn lesson from past,” he added.
About Interior Minister’s press conference regarding Ranger’s operation, he said a new controversy was initiated by Chaudhy Nisar. “I know how much prime minister has knowledge about this press conference,” he remarked, ostensibly giving the impression that it was Chaudhary Nisar’s sole initiative. He said the Sindh government is serious in granting extension to Rangers’ policing powers.
Responding to concerns raised by opposition leader, Minister for States and Frontier Region Abdul Qadar Baloch said Rangers successfully brought peace in different areas of the country. “Because of Rangers operation now there is peace in Karachi, KP and other areas, so this matter should not be made controversial and delayed,” said Minister.
He strongly opposed ending the role of Rangers in this crucial time. “This is not suitable time to end role of Rangers in Karachi...It is not suitable to hurl threats on each other,” he said and asked Sindh government not to further delay extension in Rangers’ policing powers in Karachi.
PTI lawmaker Ayesha Gulalai, taking part in the debate, put weight behind extension in Rangers policing powers. “Rangers operation brought peace in the country...It should continue till complete peace in conflicted areas,” she viewed.
Ghulam Ahmed Bilour from ANP, on his turn, blamed Punjab for discriminating with rest of the provinces. “Stop targeting small provinces...Punjab needs to take small provinces into confidence,” he added.
AML chief Sheikh Rashid, on his turn, said that Prime Minister needs to resolve this matter. “Now people of the country like Rangers and Pakistan Army,” h added.
Later, the house was adjourned due to lack of quorum. The quorum was pointed out by PTI’s lawmaker Amjad Khan Niazi.