Rangers deployed in Islamabad, Punjab districts to maintain law and order
Interior ministry directs all necessary action in self-defence in event of attacks by armed or violent groups
The federal government has authorized the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and several Punjab districts to collaborate with police in maintaining public order and countering potential security threats, as per a Ministry of Interior notification. This action followed the Punjab government's request for Rangers assistance in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, and Mianwali, which was approved by the provincial cabinet’s Standing Committee on Law and Order on September 20.
The deployment, governed by Article 245 of the Constitution, Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, and the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance 1959, was authorized by the Chief Commissioner Islamabad and the Punjab government. Rangers were deployed under Sections 7(b) and 10 of the Ordinance, and Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act. The authorization permits Rangers to offer complete support to police in maintaining order and countering violent activities or security threats, and directs both forces to act in self-defense against attacks by armed or violent groups.
The security forces were instructed to take all necessary actions to address any violent activity or threat and safeguard public property and lives. The deployment of Rangers is intended to perform security duties and assist police in maintaining peace and order in the specified areas, according to the notification. The deployment was initiated amid growing security apprehensions in Islamabad and parts of Punjab, prompting authorities to request additional security support to manage possible disturbances and threats.
Written by urgent.news from The Express Tribune - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
