Wednesday, 30 December 2015
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday directed Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to visit Karachi next week to allay fears of the Sindh government over Rangers powers.
The development came following an hour-long meeting between the PM and Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah in Islamabad.
As per detail, the meeting was also joined by Sindh Finance Minister Murad Ali Shah, Home Minister Suhail Anwar Siyal, federal ministers Chaudhry Nisar and Ishaq Dar.
The CM conveyed Sindh government’s concerns to the PM regarding Rangers powers granted to the paramilitary troops under anti-terrorism law.
The CM complained for federal government’s ‘intervention’ in Sindh government’s affairs, sourced said, adding that Qaim Ali Shah, in the meeting with PM, also raised the issue of Singh government’s expenditures over Karachi operation.
Sources said the PM held out assurance to the Sindh Chief Minister that all concerns would be addressed, and expressed his commitment to continue Karachi operation at all cost.
“Federal government respects Sindh Assembly’s resolution but all issues should be resolved with mutual agreement,” a source quoted the PM as saying in the meeting.
He said the PM told the CM and his delegation that federal government has spent Rs.25 billion so far on Karachi operation.
The centre remained stick to its stance over Rangers powers and vowed not to make any compromise on the ongoing Karachi operation, as the two sides agreed to carry on dialogue on controversial issues, according to our correspondent.
Sources said the PM has directed Chaudhry Nisar to visit Karachi next month and hold a meeting with CM Qaim Ali Shah in order to address his concerns.