ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) - The federal government has authorised the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab ahead of the PTI’s planned long march on the federal capital on September 27.
According to a Ministry of Interior and Narcotics notification, Rangers personnel will remain deployed from September 20 to October 5, under relevant provisions of the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959 and Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
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The notification authorises Rangers and police to take necessary measures against violent activities and threats.
The interior ministry has also directed Rangers and police to take necessary action in self-defence in the event of attacks by armed or disruptive groups and to respond to any violent activity.
The move comes amid heightened security arrangements in Islamabad and Punjab ahead of the PTI’s announced protest march.
The Punjab government had earlier requested the deployment of Rangers in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali from September 22 to October 5 to support police in maintaining law and order.
Authorities have also imposed Section 144 in Islamabad and several parts of Punjab.
Meanwhile, government and PTI officials have exchanged differing accounts over possible backchannel contacts ahead of the planned march.
Also, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said talks with PTI could not take place unless the long march was postponed, while claiming that roads remained open and containers had been placed as a precaution.