LAHORE: The Punjab government has asked the federal government to deploy Pakistan Rangers in four districts until October 5 as authorities prepare for planned protests and PTI’s September 27 march towards Islamabad.
The request covers Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali and seeks Rangers deployment from September 22 to October 5 to assist provincial police with law-and-order duties, according to a Punjab Home Department letter reported on Wednesday.
PTI has announced a march towards Islamabad on September 27 seeking the release of its founder, former prime minister Imran Khan. Kissan Ittehad has also announced protest activity in the capital.
According to the Home Department letter, Punjab sought three Rangers companies for Rawalpindi — one for Rawalpindi city and two for Taxila — while five Rangers wings were requested for Attock. One company each was sought for Jhelum and Mianwali.
The request was sent to the federal Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control after consideration by the Punjab cabinet’s Standing Committee on Law and Order.
The letter cited Article 245 of the Constitution, provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance as the legal basis for the proposed deployment.
The request itself does not mean that Rangers deployment in all four districts has already taken place; implementation requires action by the federal authorities.
Security preparations have intensified in Islamabad and adjoining areas ahead of the planned demonstrations. The authorities say the measures are intended to maintain law and order, while PTI is continuing preparations for its march.
The political and legal developments surrounding the September 27 mobilisation are unfolding simultaneously, with PTI also approaching the courts over detentions and alleged police actions involving party members.