The Punjab government has requested the deployment of Rangers in four districts ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march towards Islamabad scheduled for September 27.
The provincial Home Department has written to the federal Ministry of Interior seeking Rangers personnel for Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali to assist police in maintaining law and order. The deployment has been requested until October 5, according to officials.
The request was approved by the Punjab Cabinet Committee on Law and Order after the provincial police sought additional security assistance ahead of the planned political activity.
Rangers deployment sought in four districts
The Punjab government has requested three Rangers companies for Rawalpindi, while five Rangers wings have been sought for Attock. One Rangers company each has been requested for Jhelum and Mianwali.
Officials said the deployment is intended to support police in maintaining law and order and protecting the lives and property of citizens during the period of heightened security.
The Punjab government has also sought the deployment of Army personnel in Rawalpindi, with the services of both the Army and Rangers requested until October 5.
Major roads to close ahead of PTI march
The security preparations come as authorities have announced closures on several major routes connecting Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Islamabad.
According to the National Highways and Motorway Police, the M-1 motorway will close in both directions between Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chach Interchange from Wednesday evening, September 23. Several interchanges along the route will also be closed.
The M-14 motorway will also be closed between Hakla and Kundal, affecting several interchanges, including Fateh Jang, Pindi Gheb, Daud Khel, Isa Khel and Kundal.
The GT Road (N-5) will also be closed at Attock Khurd from Wednesday evening, according to the Motorway Police.
Islamabad Traffic Police has advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel towards the M-1 during the closure. The M-2 motorway between Lahore and Islamabad is expected to remain open.
Islamabad security preparations intensified
Security arrangements have also been stepped up in Islamabad and surrounding areas ahead of the September 27 march.
Islamabad Police has sought 18,000 additional personnel from Punjab and Sindh, including 16,000 personnel from Punjab and 2,000 from Sindh. The police have also requested senior officers and anti-riot equipment for the security operation.
More than 2,000 containers have reportedly been moved to strategic locations in Islamabad and Attock as authorities prepare for possible movement towards the federal capital.
The PTI has announced its September 27 long march towards Islamabad as part of its ongoing political campaign. The heightened security measures and road closures are being implemented ahead of the planned activity.
The Punjab government has said the requested deployment of additional security personnel is aimed at maintaining law and order and protecting citizens and their property.
