PTI march: Rangers deployed in Islamabad and Punjab districts
The federal government has approved the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and several districts of Punjab ahead of the PTI’s planned march towards the federal capital.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, the deployment has been authorised from September 20 to October 5. The decision followed requests from the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad Capital Territory and the Punjab government.
The deployment has been authorised under Sections 7(b) and 10 of the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959, and Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. The Rangers will perform duties assigned by the Islamabad chief commissioner and the provincial government under the relevant laws.
Security measures tightened ahead of September 27 march
The Rangers' deployment comes as authorities intensify security arrangements ahead of the PTI’s planned march on Islamabad on September 27. The party has announced the march as part of its political campaign and is demanding the release of its founder, Imran Khan.
Authorities are preparing security arrangements in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other areas to deal with possible gatherings and maintain law and order. The federal government’s decision is part of wider security preparations surrounding the planned political activity.
Rangers authorised to respond to threats
The Interior Ministry notification allows Rangers personnel to respond appropriately in self-defence to threats or violent activities encountered while performing their duties. The ministry has also directed Rangers and police to take appropriate and necessary counter-action in self-defence in the event of attacks by disruptive or armed groups.
Officials have been instructed to take measures to deal with violent activities and protect public safety. The directions form part of the wider security arrangements for Islamabad and Punjab during the period surrounding the planned march.
Punjab districts included in security plan
The Punjab government had requested Rangers deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali. The request was made to assist provincial police in maintaining law and order during the period surrounding the expected protest.
According to the request, Rangers were sought in the four districts from September 22 to October 5. The federal government has now approved the deployment in Islamabad and different districts of Punjab under the relevant legal provisions.
Section 144 imposed in Islamabad
The security measures come alongside restrictions imposed in Islamabad. Section 144 has been enforced in the federal capital, restricting gatherings, processions, rallies and demonstrations at public places.
The restrictions are part of the administration’s efforts to maintain law and order amid preparations for the planned march. The Islamabad district administration has urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies and comply with the applicable restrictions.
Punjab also introduces restrictions
Section 144 has also been imposed across Punjab amid security and public-order concerns. The provincial restrictions were introduced as authorities prepared for the planned PTI march and other political activity expected around Islamabad.
The measures are aimed at preventing situations that could affect public safety and disrupt law and order. Authorities are also preparing security arrangements along important routes leading towards the federal capital.
Police preparations increase in Rawalpindi and Attock
Police preparations have also been intensified in Rawalpindi Division and Attock. Security arrangements are being strengthened in the region as authorities prepare for possible gatherings and movement towards Islamabad.
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Attock is an important route because it connects Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab and provides road links towards Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The Punjab government has therefore sought Rangers' assistance in Attock, along with Rawalpindi, Jhelum and Mianwali.
Containers placed at key routes
Authorities have also placed containers at some important roads and crossings as part of the security preparations. The measures include routes connecting Punjab with Islamabad.
Containers have been positioned at important points and highways as authorities prepare to manage traffic and movement if large gatherings take place. The government has described such measures as part of its preparations for the planned political activity.
Govt and PTI differ over talks
The political situation has also included different accounts from the government and PTI regarding possible contacts between the two sides.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said talks with the PTI cannot take place unless the party postpones its planned march. He has also said that back-channel contact with PTI leadership is taking place.
The government has maintained that security measures, including the placement of containers, are precautionary. The PTI, meanwhile, has continued with its announced plan for the September 27 march.
Security preparations continue
The deployment of Rangers is part of a wider security plan covering Islamabad and parts of Punjab. Police, Rangers and district administrations are coordinating arrangements ahead of the expected political activity.
Officials are also monitoring important entry and exit routes to the federal capital. The focus remains on maintaining public order and responding to any security situation that may arise during the deployment period.
What happens next?
Rangers personnel will remain authorised for deployment until October 5 under the federal government’s notification.
Police and district administrations are expected to continue security preparations around Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other affected areas. The September 27 march remains the main focus of the current security arrangements.
Further measures will depend on developments on the ground and instructions issued by the relevant authorities. The Punjab government’s request covered Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali, while the federal approval extends the Rangers' deployment to Islamabad and other specified areas.
