ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has sought the deployment of Rangers in four districts ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned march towards Islamabad on September 27.
According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department, a request has been sent to the Ministry of Interior seeking Rangers deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali to assist with maintaining law and order.
The request comes as authorities make security arrangements for the PTI’s planned nationwide protests and march towards the federal capital. The party has said the protest is aimed at seeking the release of its founder, Imran Khan, and calling for constitutional supremacy.
Rangers deployment sought in four districts
The Punjab Home Department has requested three Rangers companies for Rawalpindi and recommended five wings for Attock, according to the department’s spokesperson.
Jhelum and Mianwali have each been allocated a request for one Rangers company.
The federal government has also sought additional police personnel from the provinces to assist Islamabad authorities with security arrangements.
Punjab is providing 19,000 police officers and personnel, while Sindh is sending a 1,950-member contingent to the capital, according to the details provided by the authorities.
IHC issues directions on planned march
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued several directions concerning the planned PTI march.
In its detailed verdict, the court directed chief ministers to ensure that government vehicles, machinery, funds and other official resources were not used for protests or political rallies.
Punjab, Sindh send police contingents to Islamabad ahead of PTI march
The court also ruled that no political party or leader has a lawful right to occupy public roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas or other public places in a manner that obstructs citizens’ movement.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed directed police officers not to facilitate any march, rally or procession heading towards Islamabad.
He also warned that disciplinary action would be taken against officers who violated the court’s directives.
Government prepares for possible disruption
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said the government would implement the IHC’s order and take measures to prevent prolonged disruptions caused by protests.
The security preparations come amid continued uncertainty over the PTI’s September 27 plan.
Reports have indicated that contacts between the government and PTI have continued, although no breakthrough has been reported regarding the planned march.
The authorities are now making arrangements across key entry points and adjoining districts as the date of the PTI protest approaches.
