The federal government has extended the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab amid heightened security concerns surrounding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s planned long march.
The Rangers deployment, which was previously authorised until October 5, has reportedly been extended to October 15 as authorities prepare for possible law-and-order challenges.
The move comes as PTI has announced a long march towards Islamabad, with the party’s planned protest now scheduled to begin from Peshawar on October 4. The march was initially planned for September 27 but was postponed.
Rangers deployed in Islamabad and Punjab
Rangers personnel have been deployed in Islamabad as well as several Punjab districts, including Rawalpindi, Attock and Jhelum, to assist law-enforcement agencies in maintaining public order.
Earlier, the Punjab government had requested Rangers’ deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali from September 22 to October 5 amid preparations for the PTI protest.
Authorities have also taken additional security measures in Islamabad and Punjab, including restrictions on public gatherings. Section 144 has been imposed in Islamabad, while Punjab authorities had also imposed restrictions on gatherings and processions.
Security concerns rise ahead of PTI march
The latest security measures come amid warnings about the possibility of unrest during political protests.
At the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference on October 2, the military leadership said that any attempt to create agitation or a “May 9-like situation” would be dealt with through what it described as “decisive force” and in accordance with the rule of law.
The reference to May 9 relates to the widespread unrest that followed the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan on May 9, 2023, when government buildings and military installations were attacked in several parts of the country.
PTI-government talks continue
The security preparations are taking place alongside political contacts between the government and PTI.
The two sides have held discussions over the planned march, while PTI leaders have continued to demand the release of Imran Khan. The government has maintained that protests must remain within the law and has opposed attempts to disrupt public roads and key state installations.
Authorities maintain heightened security
Security preparations remain in place in Islamabad and parts of Punjab as authorities prepare for the October 4 march.
The government has said that law-enforcement agencies are ready to respond to any law-and-order situation, while PTI has maintained its position on holding the march.
The extension of Rangers deployment reflects the authorities’ continued security preparations as political tensions remain high ahead of the planned protest.
