LAHORE (Web Desk) – The Punjab government has asked the federal government to deploy Pakistan Rangers in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali from Sept. 22 to Oct. 5 as authorities step up security arrangements ahead of a planned Sept. 27 protest and long march towards Islamabad.
The request was made by the Punjab Home Department to the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control following a review of the law-and-order situation by the provincial government’s Standing Committee of the Cabinet on Law and Order.
According to the request, three Rangers companies have been sought for Rawalpindi, with one proposed for Rawalpindi city and two for Taxila. Five Rangers wings have been requested for Attock, while Jhelum and Mianwali would each receive one company.
The proposed deployment is linked to security concerns surrounding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s announced long march towards Islamabad on Sept. 27. PTI has said the march is aimed at pressing for the release of its founder, Imran Khan, while authorities have been preparing additional security measures in the capital and surrounding districts.
The Punjab government has sought the Rangers’ assistance under Article 245 of the Constitution, along with relevant provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, and the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959.
The request followed the 59th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Cabinet on Law and Order held on Sept. 20. The committee reviewed a situational assessment presented by police authorities as well as relevant directions from the Islamabad High Court and the Punjab government.
Security preparations have also intensified in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Attock. Islamabad Police has sought additional personnel and anti-riot equipment from Punjab and Sindh, while authorities have moved large numbers of containers to key roads and entry points as part of preparations for possible protests.
The planned deployment comes amid wider security measures in the Rawalpindi-Islamabad region. The federal government had earlier authorised the deployment of three Pakistan Army companies in Rawalpindi for sensitive security duties and to respond to unforeseen situations.
Attock is considered particularly important because of its location connecting Punjab with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The district is expected to play a key role in managing movement towards Islamabad if large numbers of protesters travel from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Punjab government has asked the Interior Ministry to process the requisition and formally communicate its decision to the provincial Home Department. The proposed Rangers deployment would remain in place until Oct. 5, covering the period around the Sept. 27 political activity.
