- Deployment authorised from September 20 to October 5, 2026.
- Rangers empowered to respond to violent activities in self-defence.
- Sanaullah says backdoor contact with PTI leadership ongoing.
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has authorised the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and various districts of Punjab amid security preparations ahead of PTI’s planned long march on the federal capital scheduled for September 27.
According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics — a copy of which is available with Geo News, the Rangers personnel will be deployed from September 20 to October 5, 2026.
The deployment was authorised pursuant to requests from the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad Capital Territory and the Home Department of the Government of Punjab under Sections 7(b) and 10 of the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959 and Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, it stated.
According to the notification, Rangers personnel will discharge functions as specified under the Ordinance and Act, as authorised by the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad and the provincial government.
The deployed troops are authorised to respond appropriately in self-defence to any threats or violent activities encountered in the course of their duties, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
The Ministry of Interior directed that Rangers and police take full measures to deal with any violent activity or threat, and that appropriate and necessary responsive action be taken in the event of attacks by disruptive or armed groups.
The deployment comes as PTI prepares for a major protest and march on Islamabad, with the party demanding the release of its incarcerated founder Imran Khan and what it describes as the restoration of constitutional supremacy.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said no talks with PTI could take place until the long march was postponed.
Speaking on Geo News’ programme “Geo Pakistan”, he said that the government had backdoor contact with PTI’s leadership.
He said only statements were being issued about the march and that practically no march would take place.
“No one will be allowed to march on Islamabad,” he said, adding that containers had been placed on roadsides as a precautionary measure while all roads remained open.
