ISLAMABAD (Staff Report) – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah Wednesday discussed the matters related to extension in special powers granted to Rangers in Karachi, in a crucial meeting in Islamabad.
Federal Ministers Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Ishaq Dar as well as provincial ministers Murad Ali Shah and Sohail Anwar Siyyal were also present at the meeting.
During the meeting, which lasted for over an hour, leaders discussed overall security situation in Sindh with a special focus on the ongoing targeted operation in Karachi.
They agreed that Karachi operation will continue despite all odds and any difference must not halt the struggle for a peaceful Karachi.
Syed Qaim Ali Shah conveyed his reservations to the Prime Minister over 60-day extension in Rangers’ special powers against the will of Sindh Assembly which wanted the paramilitary force to remain confined to law and order related issues only.
The premier assured Sindh Chief Minister that all of the institutions including Rangers will work with in their limits and not interfere into the matters of others.
Issues related to financial needs of Sindh government amid anti-terrorism operation also came under discussion. Federal Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar said that due share of Sindh agreed under NFC award will given to the province in any case.
It is also pertinent to be mentioned here that the meeting comes after two weeks of exchange of harsh statements between Sindh ministers and federal ministers after the centre extended special powers to Rangers in Karachi dismissing a summary of Sindh government prepared in the light of provincial assembly’s resolution.
