Punjab Seeks Army, Rangers Deployment Ahead of PTI Long March
LAHORE, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: The Punjab government has sought the services of the Pakistan Army and Rangers in several districts ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s planned September 27 long march towards Islamabad, as authorities step up security preparations around routes leading to the federal capital.
Punjab government has sent a request to the federal government seeking Rangers deployment in Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali, while also requesting the deployment of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi.
The report, citing sources, said the Punjab Home Department had written to the federal government seeking the security deployments until October 5. The request comes four days before PTI’s planned march on Islamabad.
The latest request does not necessarily mean all requested forces have already been newly deployed. It represents Punjab’s request for federal assistance, and final deployment arrangements remain subject to the relevant government authorisations.
There is also an important existing security arrangement in Rawalpindi. The federal government had already authorised three companies of the Pakistan Army for deployment in Rawalpindi for six months under Article 245 of the Constitution following an earlier Punjab Home Department request. That August 21 order cited “sensitive security duties” and the need to respond to unforeseen situations.
Article 245 allows the armed forces to act in aid of civil power when called upon by the federal government. The latest Express report indicates Punjab is seeking additional security arrangements specifically as authorities prepare for the September 27 mobilisation.
PTI has confirmed that it intends to proceed with its march towards Islamabad on September 27. Party MNA Sher Ali Arbab said on Tuesday that the mobilisation would go ahead, while also saying the possibility of political negotiations should remain open.
PTI says the march is part of its political campaign and has maintained that peaceful protest is a constitutional right. The party has also been seeking the release of leaders and activists detained ahead of the planned mobilisation.
The federal government has taken a different position on the planned march. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has urged PTI to reconsider its September 27 call and said authorities would implement the Islamabad High Court’s ruling concerning the march “in letter and spirit.”
Security preparations have consequently intensified in and around the twin cities, with Rawalpindi particularly important because several major routes from Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa towards Islamabad pass through or near the district.
The situation remains developing, and further federal or provincial notifications may clarify the number of Rangers and Army personnel involved, their exact locations and the duration of any additional deployment.
