The federal government has authorized the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and various districts of Punjab as part of security preparations ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s planned long march to Islamabad, scheduled for Sept. 27.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics, the deployment of Rangers has been authorized from Sept. 20 to Oct. 5, 2026. It said the deployment was authorized 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.
The notification said Rangers personnel would discharge functions as specified under the Ordinance and Act, as authorized by the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad and the provincial government.
The deployed troops have been authorized to respond appropriately in self-defense to any threats or violent activities encountered in the course of their duties, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
The Ministry of Interior has directed Rangers and police to take full measures to deal with any violent activity or threat, as well as appropriate and necessary responsive action in the event of attacks by disruptive or armed groups.
The deployment comes ahead of the PTI’s planned long march to Islamabad. The party is demanding the release of its incarcerated founder, Imran Khan, and the “restoration of constitutional supremacy.”