Punjab Seeks Rangers Deployment in Four Districts Ahead of Sept 27 Protest
LAHORE: The Punjab government has requested the federal government to deploy Pakistan Rangers in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali to assist police with law-and-order arrangements until October 5.
According to a letter from the Punjab Home Department, the requested deployment covers the period from September 22 to October 5, amid planned political protests and marches towards Islamabad.
The request comes ahead of a September 27 long march announced by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which has said the demonstration is intended to press for the release of party founder Imran Khan. The Kissan Ittehad has also announced a separate protest schedule in the region.
Rangers Deployment Plan
The Punjab government has requested three companies of Rangers for Rawalpindi, with one company assigned to Rawalpindi city and two to Taxila.
The request also includes five Rangers wings for Attock, while one company each has been sought for Jhelum and Mianwali.
The proposed deployment is being sought under Article 245 of the Constitution, along with relevant provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance.
The Punjab Home Department said the request was considered during a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Cabinet on Law and Order on September 20. The committee reviewed the security situation, relevant court directions and instructions issued by the provincial government.
The department has asked the federal Interior Ministry to take the necessary steps and inform Punjab authorities about the deployment.
Security Preparations Intensify
Security arrangements have already been increased across Rawalpindi Division and the federal capital ahead of the planned protests. More than 22,000 security personnel are expected to be deployed in Islamabad, while around 30,000 personnel have been called for security duties in Attock, a key route connecting Punjab with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The government had also authorised the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi for six months in August for sensitive security duties and to assist the district administration when required.
Authorities have also increased security at important road links and entry points around Attock and Rawalpindi as preparations continue for the upcoming demonstrations.
The Rangers request is part of broader security planning by provincial and federal authorities as several political and public gatherings are expected in the Islamabad-Rawalpindi region in the coming days.
