ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The federal government has approved the deployment of Rangers in Islamabad and various districts of Punjab to maintain law and order in view of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) long march call.
The notification issued by the Ministry of Interior, dated September 23, states that the deployment has been authorized under Sections 7(b) and 10 of the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959, and Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
At the request of the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad and the Punjab government, the deployment has been approved from September 20 to October 5.
“The deployed troops may respond appropriately in self-defence to any threats or violent activities encountered in the course of their duties as per rules and regulations in vogue,” the notification added.
Earlier, the Punjab government sought the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali, from September 22 until October 5, 2026, the provincial Home Department spokesperson said.
A letter had been sent to the Federal Interior Ministry seeking the deployment of three Ranger companies in Rawalpindi, five wings in Attock and one company each in Jhelum and Mianwali.
According to the letter, the deployment will be carried out under Article 245 of the Constitution of Pakistan, Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, and Sections 7(b) and 10 of the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959.
In addition, the department has also enforced Section 144 across the province from September 23 to October 5 amid security concerns, imposing a complete ban on the assembly, processions, or gathering of five or more people in public places, on highways, or in open spaces.
According to the order, political rallies, processions, sit-ins, and demonstrations have also been prohibited. The government has also imposed a ban on carrying and public display of all types of weapons in public places.
“Encouraging or inviting people to participate in gatherings declared unlawful under the order will also be subject to legal action,” the order stated.
The measures come after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced a September 27 march on Islamabad, demanding the release of former Prime Minister and its party founder Imran Khan.
