Islamabad administration seeks 10-day extension of Rangers deployment ahead of PTI’s long march

Islamabad's administration has requested a 10-day extension for the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in the capital city, beginning from Oct 5 and lasting until Oct 15. This request was made as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plans a long march to the capital starting from Oct 4. The administration has been preparing to prevent protestors from entering Islamabad, with thousands of containers already in place.

Additional police personnel from Sindh and Punjab have also been deployed. The Islamabad administration sought the extension by writing to the chief commissioner, requesting that "the provision of 3,000 personnel of Pakistan Rangers with command structure to Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police may be extended from Oct 5 to 15, 2026."

The earlier notification, issued by the interior ministry, authorized the deployment from Sept 20 to Oct 5 under specific sections of the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959, and the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. The troops have been instructed to respond appropriately and take necessary measures in self-defence against any threats or violent activities during their duties.