LAHORE – The Punjab government has sought the deployment of rangers in several cities across the province ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned long march to Islamabad.
PTI has announced a nationwide march towards Islamabad on September 27 in support of its demands, including the release and treatment of the party’s founder, former prime minister Imran Khan.
The Punjab Home Department has written to the federal Ministry of Interior seeking army Rangers personnel for deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali. The requested deployment is set to continue until October 5, 2026.
Under the request, three Rangers companies would be deployed in Rawalpindi, five wings in Attock, and one company each in Jhelum and Mianwali.
A Punjab Home Department spokesperson said the deployment had been approved during the 59th meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order.
The request to the federal government was made following a request from Punjab Police for assistance with security arrangements.
The provincial government and federal authorities have described the planned protest as a potential threat to public order and have initiated actions against PTI leaders.
According to the party, three of Imran Khan’s sisters—Aleema Khan, Noreen Niazi and Uzma Khan—are currently under detention. PTI has also alleged that raids are being conducted at the residences of other party leaders and that they are being subjected to harassment.
