KARACHI: Sindh Inspector General (IG) AD Khawaja on Tuesday questioned sustained Rangers presence in the metropolis, expressing his desire to see the Sindh Police function without their “crutches”.
The police chief was addressing businessmen at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industries, labeling the paramilitary force as “crutches” for the Sindh police. He also asserted that the city could not continue to rely on them.
Referring to the targeted killing of police personnel, the IG pointed out the fact that police forces had single-handedly conducted large scale operations in the city during the 80s and 90s. “However meritorious police officers were killed one by one,” he said.
He further emphasised on the reasons that created a vacuum in the police force, which resulted in the need for the Rangers to step in.
The IG also alleged that those involved in police murders were still serving in the legislature, a fact which seriously affected the force’s morale, questioning why no one had raised their voice for the slain forces.
Khawaja also shed light on the current problems affecting the police, noting the need for significant changes in the obsolete legal framework in order for the force to be revamped and a significant shift in performance to be seen.
He also responded to the business community’s complaints, promising that the force was actively taking measures to curb street crime.
He further highlighted the fact that during his tenure, the force had hired four thousand new recruits, purely on merit.
The IG comments come after his reinstatement following a stay order by the Sindh High Court, overturning the initial decision by the chief minister to put him on forced leave.
