Rangers will have powers to shoot terrorists after warning Federal cabinet approves

The News 21 Sept 2013 ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Friday approved the amended Anti-Terrorism Act under which the Rangers would be empowered to shoot terrorists after giving them a warning. The bill is aimed at curbing the menace of terrorism and giving more powers to the Rangers. It also provides for ensuring protection of witnesses in terrorism cases.The cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, also decided to constitute a special committee to review the proposed bill for the Local Bodies Act for Islamabad. Nawaz Sharif expressed satisfaction at the ongoing targeted action in Karachi. He hoped for a positive outcome from this action as the common man was satisfied with the targeted action. He directed the federal government institutions to ensure full cooperation to the Sindh government to restore law and order in Karachi. The prime minister, taking a strong notice of the absence of some federal ministers from the National Assembly and Senate sessions, said that strict action would be taken against those ministers who would not be present in the house concerned to respond to questions of parliamentarians. The issue was raised by Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan who said that absence of ministers from the parliamentary sessions brought a bad name to the government and this practice should be checked. The premier said that it wassaid that it was the responsibility of the ministers to ensure their presence in both the houses of Parliament and respond to the queries of the members regarding public and national issues. The bill approved by the cabinet to curb terrorism will be presented in Parliament soon to expedite efforts to ensure peace in Karachi. According to the proposed amendment bill in the Anti-Terrorism Act, it has been suggested that massive powers may be given to Rangers to deal with law and order situation. Under the bill, Rangers will have the powers to shoot target killers and extortionists on the spot after a warning. Similarly, they will have also power to shoot down the culprits involved in kidnapping for ransom‚ playing with law and order and destructing national assets. The proposed bill says that these massive powers are being suggested for Rangers to ensure protection of the people in Karachi. The prime minister directed to refer the proposed bill to the ministries of interior and law to review the proposals before presenting it in Parliament. He also directed to make the proposed law in accordance with the aspirations and interests of the people before presenting it in Parliament. Online adds: Nawaz Sharif said that the government wanted to make an anti-terrorism law which transcended political vendetta. The prime minister said he was victimised due to flaws in the anti-terrorism law and was sentenced for 27 years.According to the prime minister, the citizens of Karachi had to pay millions in ransom which was unjust.