ISLAMABAD -UNS :The federal government has approved the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab as authorities step up security preparations ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) march planned for September 27.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics, Rangers personnel have been authorised to remain deployed from September 20 through October 5 under relevant provisions of the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959, and the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
The deployment follows requests from the Islamabad administration and Punjab’s Home Department. In Punjab, Rangers have been requested for Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali to assist police in maintaining law and order.
The notification authorises Rangers and police to take necessary measures against violent activities and security threats. Personnel have also been directed to respond appropriately in self-defence in the event of attacks by armed or disruptive groups.
The security measures come as PTI prepares for its planned march towards Islamabad. Authorities have also imposed Section 144 in Islamabad and parts of Punjab, while extensive arrangements involving road blockades and additional security personnel are being made in and around the capital.
Meanwhile, government and PTI representatives have given differing accounts regarding reported backchannel contacts.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said negotiations could not proceed unless PTI postponed the march, while the government has said containers placed along roads are precautionary measures.
With the September 27 protest approaching, security and administrative preparations remain underway across Islamabad and several parts of Punjab.
