The federal government has authorised the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) long march planned for September 27.
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According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, the Rangers deployment has been authorised from September 20 to October 5, 2026.
The deployment was approved following requests from the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad Capital Territory and the Punjab Home Department. The notification cited Sections 7(b) and 10 of the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959, along with Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
Under the notification, Rangers personnel will perform functions assigned under the relevant laws and as authorised by the Islamabad administration and Punjab government.
The personnel have also been authorised to respond in self-defence to threats or violent activities encountered while performing their duties, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
The Interior Ministry directed Rangers and police to take necessary measures against violent activity and threats. It also instructed security personnel to take appropriate action in the event of attacks by disruptive or armed groups.
The Punjab government separately requested Rangers deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali from September 22 to October 5 to assist the provincial police in maintaining law and order.
The request included three Rangers companies for Rawalpindi, five wings for Attock, and one company each for Jhelum and Mianwali.
The latest security measures come as authorities prepare for the PTI‘s planned September 27 march towards Islamabad.
PTI has said the protest is aimed at demanding the release of its incarcerated founder Imran Khan and what the party describes as the restoration of constitutional supremacy.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said talks with PTI could not take place until the long march was postponed.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme Geo Pakistan, Sanaullah said the government had backchannel contacts with PTI leaders.
He also said that containers had been placed along roadsides as a precautionary measure, while claiming that roads remained open.
“No one will be allowed to march on Islamabad,” he said.
The government has also intensified security preparations in the capital and surrounding areas. Islamabad’s district administration has imposed Section 144, while Punjab has separately imposed restrictions on gatherings amid preparations for the planned protests.
It is pertinent to mention here that, Islamabad Police have been provided with modern net launchers ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) march planned for September 27.
