The federal government has approved the deployment of Rangers in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab to help maintain law and order ahead of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI) protest march on September 27.
A formal notification has been issued in this regard.
The decision was taken after requests from the Islamabad chief commissioner and the Punjab government. According to the Interior Ministry, Rangers have been authorised to assist police under relevant provisions of the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance 1959 and the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.
The notification states that Rangers and police may take necessary defensive action if they come under attack from violent or armed groups.
The Interior Ministry has also directed security forces to take all necessary measures to deal with any violent activity or security threat.
Deployed Rangers personnel will assist police in maintaining public order and carrying out security-related duties.
The Punjab Home Department had sent recommendations to the federal Interior Ministry for the deployment of Rangers.
The department has recommended the deployment of three Rangers companies in Rawalpindi and five wings in Attock. Two Rangers companies have been requested for Taxila, while one company each has been sought for Jhelum and Mianwali.
The deployment has been requested under Article 245 from September 22 to October 5.
Rawalpindi/Islamabad to remain open
Meanwhile, it has been decided to keep Rawalpindi and Islamabad open as usual until the march moves closer to the twin cities. Authorities will assess the situation under a wait-and-see policy before deciding on a response.
Further action will be determined according to the situation once the march enters Punjab and moves forward.
Rangers have been requested to assist police in the Rawalpindi region and Mianwali.
