LAHORE: The Punjab government has requested the deployment of Rangers in four districts as part of security measures ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned march towards Islamabad on September 27.
The Punjab Home Department has approached the federal Interior Ministry, seeking the deployment of paramilitary personnel in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali, a department spokesperson said.
Under the request, three Rangers companies have been sought for Rawalpindi, while five wings have been proposed for Attock. Jhelum and Mianwali would each receive one Rangers company, according to the spokesperson.
The move comes as authorities step up security preparations for the PTI’s planned nationwide protest and march, which the party says is aimed at securing the release of its incarcerated founder Imran Khan and upholding constitutional supremacy.
The federal government has also asked provinces to provide additional police personnel to support security arrangements in the capital. Punjab is sending around 19,000 police officers and personnel, while Sindh has agreed to provide a contingent of 1,950 personnel.
The Islamabad High Court has issued several directives regarding the proposed PTI march. In its detailed ruling, the court instructed chief ministers to ensure that official vehicles, machinery, funds and other government resources are not used for political rallies or protests.
The court also observed that political parties and their leaders cannot lawfully occupy roads, highways, interchanges, toll plazas or other public spaces in a way that disrupts the movement of citizens.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed directed officers across the province not to facilitate any march, rally or procession travelling towards Islamabad. He warned that disciplinary action would be taken against officials found violating the court’s directives.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said the government would enforce the IHC’s orders and take steps to prevent protests from causing prolonged disruption.
Contacts between government representatives and the PTI are also reportedly continuing, although no agreement has so far been reached regarding the September 27 march.
Section 144 extended across Punjab
In a separate development, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province until October 5.
According to a Home Department notification, gatherings involving five or more people at public places, roads and open spaces have been prohibited. The restrictions also cover rallies, processions, sit-ins and demonstrations.
The notification further prohibits the carrying or display of weapons in public places and bars activities aimed at encouraging participation in unlawful gatherings.
However, the restrictions will not apply to wedding ceremonies, funeral prayers, burials, mosques and other places of worship.
