Rangers Enter Islamabad, Pindi as PTI March Nears
News Desk
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned march towards the capital on September 27.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, the deployment will remain in place from September 20 to October 5, 2026, following requests from the Islamabad chief commissioner and the Punjab government.
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 duties assigned under the relevant laws and may take appropriate action in self-defence in response to threats or violent activities encountered during their deployment.
The Interior Ministry has also directed Rangers and police to take necessary measures to prevent and respond to violent activities and attacks by disruptive or armed groups, in accordance with the law.
The Punjab government had earlier requested Rangers deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali to assist local authorities in maintaining law and order ahead of the anticipated protest.
According to the Punjab Home Department’s request, three Rangers companies were sought for Rawalpindi, including one for the city and two for Taxila. Five wings were requested for Attock, while one company each was sought for Jhelum and Mianwali.
Security tightened across Islamabad, Rawalpindi
Security has been tightened across Islamabad, Rawalpindi and parts of Attock as authorities prepare for the PTI march.
Several routes connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Punjab and Islamabad have been closed or restricted. The Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1), Hazara Motorway and sections of the GT Road have faced restrictions, while containers have been placed at various points leading towards the capital.
The Red Zone in Islamabad has also been secured with containers, with additional security personnel being deployed at entry and exit points.
The Punjab government has meanwhile imposed restrictions under Section 144 across the province amid preparations for the anticipated protest.
Rangers to assist law enforcement
The Rangers deployment is aimed at supporting federal and provincial law-enforcement agencies in maintaining public order during the period surrounding the planned march.
Authorities are also preparing additional security personnel and crowd-control resources in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
The government has said the security measures are intended to prevent violence and protect public property, while the PTI has announced its march for September 27.
The heightened security comes amid differing positions from the government and PTI regarding the proposed march and the possibility of dialogue.
Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said talks with the PTI cannot proceed unless the march is postponed, while the government has described the security arrangements as precautionary.
With Rangers deployed and restrictions imposed on several major routes, heightened security measures are expected to continue in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and adjoining districts during the period surrounding the September 27 march.
