ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab as part of security arrangements ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned march towards the federal capital on September 27.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics, Rangers personnel will remain deployed from September 20 to October 5, 2026.
The deployment was authorised following requests from the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad Capital Territory and Punjab’s Home Department 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, the Rangers will perform duties assigned under the relevant laws and as directed by the Islamabad administration and Punjab government.
The personnel have also been authorised to take appropriate action in self-defence against any threat or violent activity encountered during their deployment, in accordance with the applicable laws and rules.
The Interior Ministry instructed Rangers and police authorities to adopt comprehensive measures to prevent and respond to violent incidents. It further directed that necessary action be taken in case of attacks by armed or disruptive groups.
The deployment comes as PTI steps up preparations for its September 27 protest in Islamabad, with the party calling for the release of its founder Imran Khan and what it terms the restoration of constitutional supremacy.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said negotiations with PTI could not proceed unless the party first postponed its planned march.
Sanaullah said the government remained in contact with PTI leadership through backchannel communication.
He claimed that despite public statements regarding the protest, there was little indication of a practical march taking place.
“No one will be allowed to march on Islamabad,” he said, adding that containers had been positioned along roads as a precaution, while roads had not been closed.
