Federal government authorises Rangers deployment from September 20 to October 5 as security preparations intensify ahead of PTI’s planned Islamabad march.
Web Desk: The federal government has authorised the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and various districts of Punjab ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned march towards Islamabad on September 27.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, the Rangers deployment has been authorised from September 20 to October 5, 2026. The decision follows requests from the Islamabad chief commissioner and Punjab’s Home Department.
Rangers authorised to respond to threats
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.
Under the notification, Rangers personnel will perform functions specified under the relevant laws as authorised by the Islamabad administration and Punjab government.
The notification also permits deployed personnel to respond appropriately in self-defence to threats or violent activities encountered during their duties, according to applicable rules and regulations. The Interior Ministry directed Rangers and police to take necessary measures against violent activity or threats, including attacks by disruptive or armed groups.
Punjab districts included in security preparations
The Punjab government had earlier requested Rangers deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali to assist provincial police with maintaining law and order during the period surrounding the planned protest.
The request included three Rangers companies for Rawalpindi, while additional personnel were sought for Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali. The federal government has now authorised Rangers deployment in ICT and different districts of Punjab.
Security tightened ahead of PTI march
The deployment comes as PTI prepares for its announced September 27 march to Islamabad. The party has said the protest is aimed at seeking the release of its incarcerated founder, former prime minister Imran Khan, and what it describes as restoration of constitutional supremacy.
Security preparations have also included the deployment of police personnel from Punjab and Sindh to assist authorities in Islamabad. Geo News previously reported that Punjab was sending 19,000 personnel, while police sources said Sindh would send 1,950 personnel.
Authorities have also taken other security measures around Islamabad and parts of Punjab as the September 27 protest approaches.
Government says talks depend on postponement
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said talks with PTI could not take place unless the party postponed its long march.
Speaking on Geo News programme Geo Pakistan, Sanaullah said the government had backchannel contact with PTI leadership. He also said containers had been placed along roads as a precaution and claimed that no one would be allowed to march on Islamabad. These statements represent the government’s position.
PTI has separately maintained that its planned protest will be peaceful and has urged its workers to avoid carrying weapons.
