Rangers deployed in Islamabad, Punjab districts ahead of PTI’s Sept 27 march

The federal government has authorized the deployment of Rangers in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and several districts of Punjab to support the opposition party, PTI, as they plan a march in the federal capital on September 27. A notification from the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control outlines the authorization, valid from September 20 to October 5.

The deployment was requested by the chief commissioner of ICT and the Home Department of Punjab. The decision to deploy troops falls under the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959, and the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, with the authorization given to the Islamabad chief commissioner and the provincial government. The troops are authorized to act in self-defense against threats or violent activities encountered during their duties, as per the rules and regulations.

The interior ministry has also directed that if attacked by disruptive and armed groups, Rangers and police will take all necessary counter-actions in self-defense and manage any violent incidents that arise. This deployment is part of the administration's efforts to bolster security in the capital and Punjab to ensure law and order during the opposition's planned march.