Federal authorities have extended Rangers deployment in Islamabad and parts of Punjab as security preparations continue ahead of the PTI’s October 4 march.
The federal government has extended the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and parts of Punjab until Oct. 15 as security preparations continue ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned march toward the federal capital.
The Rangers had previously been authorised to remain deployed until Oct. 5. The extension comes as the PTI prepares for its long march, which was postponed from Sept. 27 to Oct. 4.
According to reports, Rangers personnel are currently deployed in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock and Jhelum, while security forces have also been placed on alert in Mianwali, Lahore and other areas. The deployment is aimed at assisting civil law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order and responding to potential security threats.
The earlier deployment had been authorised following requests from the Islamabad Capital Territory administration and the Punjab Home Department. The Ministry of Interior’s notification allowed Rangers personnel to perform duties under the relevant legal provisions and respond appropriately in self-defense to threats or violent activity encountered during their deployment.
The Punjab government had initially sought Rangers deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali from Sept. 22 to Oct. 5 to support police in maintaining law and order amid expectations of political demonstrations.
The latest extension comes against the backdrop of heightened political tensions between the government and PTI. The party initially announced its march for Sept. 27 but later postponed it until Oct. 4. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced the revised schedule after a meeting of the party’s political committee.
Authorities had already introduced additional security measures ahead of the originally planned march, including the deployment of Rangers and police, road restrictions and other measures in and around Islamabad. The government said the arrangements were intended to maintain law and order and prevent violent incidents.
The current security posture also follows heightened political debate over the possibility of clashes and disorder during protests. However, claims that the deployment specifically reflects a confirmed expectation of “May 9-like” events should be attributed to the relevant officials or sources rather than presented as an established fact.
With the PTI march now scheduled for Oct. 4, the extended Rangers deployment is expected to remain part of the authorities’ broader security arrangements in the capital and affected areas of Punjab.
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