Punjab Requests Rangers Presence in Four Districts Ahead of PTI March

The Punjab government has formally asked for the deployment of Rangers in four districts to maintain law and order in advance of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned march towards Islamabad on September 27. The marches are being organised as part of efforts to secure the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and to uphold constitutional principles, according to officials.

A spokesperson for the Punjab Home Department confirmed that a letter has been sent to the Ministry of Interior seeking the deployment of Rangers in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Mianwali. As per the request, three companies of Rangers are to be stationed in Rawalpindi, five wings in Attock, and one company each in Jhelum and Mianwali.

Additionally, the federal government has called for extra police from all provinces to support Islamabad authorities with security. Punjab is dispatching 19,000 police personnel, while Sindh is providing 1,950 officers for deployment in the capital.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has also issued detailed directions regarding the planned march, instructing chief ministers to ensure that official vehicles, funds, and resources are not used for protests. The court ruled that political parties and their leaders have no legal right to occupy public spaces in ways that block the movement of citizens.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed has directed officers not to assist any processions heading towards Islamabad and warned of disciplinary action for violations of the court’s instructions. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that the government will implement the IHC order and take steps to avoid prolonged disruptions resulting from protests.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has imposed Section 144 until October 5, prohibiting gatherings of five or more people, rallies, sit-ins, and demonstrations across the province. The restriction does not apply to weddings, funerals, or religious gatherings. According to officials, the step is aimed at preventing unlawful assemblies and maintaining peace amid the ongoing political activities.