Pakistan approves Rangers deployment in Islamabad ahead of PTI march

Pakistan has approved the deployment of paramilitary Rangers in Islamabad and four Punjab districts to help police maintain law and order ahead of a Sept. 27 protest march by supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, according to an Interior Ministry notification.

Why has Pakistan approved Rangers deployment in Islamabad ahead of the PTI march?

The Interior Ministry has directed Rangers and police to take necessary measures against violent activity and security threats, including action in self-defense against violent groups or armed mobs.

The move comes as authorities tighten security across the capital and surrounding areas ahead of the march.

Where will Rangers be deployed in Punjab?

The notification says the deployment followed requests from Islamabad's chief commissioner and the Punjab government. Rangers have been authorized to assist law-enforcement agencies under the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959, and the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

In Punjab, Rangers have been requested for deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali through Oct. 5. The deployment includes three companies for Rawalpindi, five wings for Attock and one company each for Jhelum and Mianwali.

What security measures are in place around Islamabad?

The deployment comes amid a wider security operation in and around Islamabad. More than 22,000 security personnel are being deployed in the capital, while authorities have placed containers at key entry points and along major roads to restrict movement ahead of the protests.

The security measures have coincided with arrests and detentions of dozens of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders, activists and supporters in Islamabad and Punjab, as authorities prepare for the planned march.

Why is PTI marching on Sept. 27?

PTI has announced the Sept. 27 march to press for the release of Khan, who has been imprisoned since August 2023. He faces multiple cases, including convictions and charges related to corruption and other offences.

Khan and his party have rejected the cases against him as politically motivated, while the authorities have denied that the legal proceedings are aimed at suppressing his political activity.