Punjab seeks Rangers deployment ahead of PTI long march
The provincial Home Department has written to the federal Ministry of Interior seeking the deployment of Rangers in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali.
The request is aimed at supporting the provincial police in maintaining law and order during a period of heightened security preparations.
According to the request, the deployment is sought from September 22 until October 5.
The proposed deployment follows discussions by the Standing Committee of the Cabinet on Law and Order, which reviewed the security situation and police requirements.
Rangers deployment requested in 4 districts
The Punjab government has requested three Rangers companies for Rawalpindi, including one for Rawalpindi city and two for Taxila.
Five Rangers wings have been requested for Attock, while Jhelum and Mianwali would each receive one company under the proposed arrangement.
The deployment is proposed under Article 245 of the Constitution, along with relevant provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance.
The provincial authorities have asked the Interior Ministry to take the necessary steps and inform the Punjab Home Department about further action.
The request does not itself mean the deployment has already taken place. Federal approval and the required formal process are involved in placing Rangers personnel at the disposal of provincial authorities.
Security preparations intensify before September 27
The request comes as authorities prepare for the PTI’s announced September 27 march towards Islamabad.
The party has said the march is intended to press for the release of its founder, Imran Khan, while government authorities have been making security arrangements around Islamabad and surrounding areas.
Security measures have also increased around Attock, an important route between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Authorities have been reviewing entry points and preparing arrangements at locations including Attock Khurd and other crossings used by traffic travelling towards Islamabad.
The wider preparations include additional security personnel, road management measures and arrangements to respond to possible emergencies during the period surrounding the planned political activity.
Also Read:Islamabad-Rawalpindi traffic alert as major roads to close tonight
Army assistance also sought
The Punjab government has also sought army deployment in Rawalpindi as part of the security arrangements, according to current reports.
Separately, three companies of the Pakistan Army had already been authorised for deployment in Rawalpindi for six months to perform sensitive security duties and respond to unforeseen situations.
The latest Rangers request therefore forms part of a broader security plan involving provincial police, Rangers and army personnel.
Officials have said the objective of the additional deployment is to help maintain law and order and protect the lives and property of citizens.
