The federal government has approved the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and multiple districts across Punjab as part of heightened security arrangements ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s scheduled long march to the federal capital on September 27, 2026.
The Ministry of Interior and Narcotics issued a notification authorizing the deployment of Rangers personnel from September 20 to October 5. This decision follows formal requests from the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad Capital Territory and the Punjab Home Department. The deployment is sanctioned under Sections 7(b) and 10 of the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959, as well as Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
Rangers will operate under the directives of the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad and the provincial government, performing duties outlined in the Ordinance and Anti-Terrorism Act. The personnel are empowered to respond in self-defense to any threats or violent incidents encountered during their operations, adhering strictly to relevant rules and regulations.
The Ministry of Interior has instructed both Rangers and police forces to take comprehensive measures to counter any violent acts or threats. It emphasized that necessary and appropriate actions should be taken if disruptive or armed groups attempt attacks.
This deployment coincides with PTI’s preparations for a significant protest and march in Islamabad, where the party demands the release of its imprisoned founder, Imran Khan, and calls for the restoration of constitutional supremacy.
In a significant development, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah stated that no dialogue with PTI would occur unless the long march is postponed. Speaking on a national news program, he mentioned that the government maintains backchannel communications with PTI leadership but dismissed the likelihood of the march proceeding as announced.
He asserted that no one would be permitted to march into Islamabad, noting that containers have been strategically placed along roadsides as a precaution. Despite these measures, all roads remain open to traffic.
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