Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad has said that all the government buildings, including educational institutions occupied by the Pakistan Rangers would be vacated after providing them alternative accommodation. He was speaking at the 8th Passing-out Ceremony of Pakistan Rangers recruits at Pakistan Rangers Training Center and School at Super Highway here on Saturday.
The governor directed the DCO Karachi and other officers and departments concerned to arrange piece of land for this purpose. He admitted that the Rangers housing were inadequate and means of communication were also lacking, and hoped that these requirements would be provided in the near future.
Dr Ibad has said that Pakistan Rangers has carved a niche in country's history as brave and well-disciplined force.
He said it was a memorable day and a milestone in the life of recruits. It has been achieved through hard labour and untiring efforts of the recruits, and their parents deserve salutation at it.
He said that from today they were beginning their lives as a soldier, which required a lot of grace and honour at their part. Although this profession is full of danger, ultimate reward is honour and respect from their countrymen.
The governor said that the seniors at Pakistan Rangers have proved their dedication and bravery, and such cases like the arrest of notorious terrorist Amjad Farooqui, confronting religious bigot Dawood Badini, cleaning Lyari and other areas of Karachi from robbers and narcotics.
He assured them that people of Sindh are behind them and witness their sacrifices. They were proud of them who had seen them guarding the people at cold nights.
He praised about their hardiness for distributing water in hot weather and establishing medical camps. He lauded their professionalism and standards, which were, according to him, were proof of a bright future.
Dr Ibad said that the importance and needs of Pakistan Rangers was paramount for Karachi, which is center of business and culture, adding the city's peace and active life was possible because of Rangers vigilance. He advised them to continue their extraordinary mission.
Speaking on this occasion the Director General of Pakistan Rangers Sindh, Major General Javed Zia said that Pakistan Rangers are performing their duty in two-pronged steps strategy. It was guarding more than 900 kilometers border areas and maintaining law and order at Karachi.
The Rangers managed to bring normality to Karachi, and now it was again humming with activity. "We launched an operation against Rehman Dacoit in Lyari, and his den was destroyed and his gang members were arrested with large quantities of arms and ammunition", he added.
He said that the Rangers also played a vital role in controlling the religious riots in Liaqat Market and Jinnah Square in Malir Town.
Major General Javed Zia said that Pakistan Rangers grapple firmly with terrorism and drug-trafficking, and they are always at hand to help their brothers in the case of any emergency, adding Rangers troops were the first force that reached the Ghotki train accident site, and helped the victims. Pakistan Rangers also help in maintaining law and order during religious festivals.
He said that Rangers have installed six filter plants in Karachi that provide clean drinking water to the citizens, adding that special teams have been constituted to monitor and check supply of water through the tankers without pilferage or black marketing.
He said they also arrange sports competitions to provide healthy activities to the people of the city and many events of donkey-cart races, football, and boxing tournaments were arranged so far.
Pakistan Rangers personnel are posted in far-flung areas of the province, creating schooling problems for their children, Major General Javed Ziasaid, adding: "We have started five schools in different districts of Sindh. These are located in Nawabshah, Sanghar, Khairpur, Hyderabad, and Tharparkar.
He said: "We also arranged four boys hostels for the children of the Rangers posted in far-flung areas, adding that these hostels provide free accommodation, food, and tuition, and are located in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur and Nawabshah."
The forthcoming local bodies elections are challenge for Pakistan Rangers and they will play their role in holding peaceful, free and impartial elections as per the directives of President Pervez Musharraf.
Major General Javed Zia said that a motorcycle squad of Pakistan Rangers has also been created to follow and arrest the culprits in narrow lanes, adding the Anti Terrorism Force of Pakistan Rangers has been trained by the commandos of Pakistan Army, and this force has also trained with the forces of the USA and UK.
Later, the chief guest awarded medals and trophies to the best achieving recruits. Recruit Salimullah won the Academic Award, Recruit Muhammad Yasin won Best Shooting Award, Physical PT Medal was won by Recruit Abid Akbar, the Best Recruit Award (during training) was given to Recruit Tabassum Muzammil, Overall Best Recruit Award was given to Recruit Muhammad Siddiqe, and the Indus Company won the trophy of the Best Company.
Sindh Home Minister Rauf Siddique, Sindh CM's Adviser Fatima Suriya Bajia, Sindh IGP Asad Jehangir, Sindh Pakistan Rangers Deputy Director General Brigadier Taqdees Ahmed Lodhi, Commandant (Training and School) Colonel Muahmmad Khalique Malal, Sindh Pakistan Rangers PRO Major Abid Hussain Shah, other high-ranking officers and the parents of recruits were present on the occasion.