Islamabad: The Islamabad administration on Saturday requested a ten day extension of the deployment of 3000 Pakistan Rangers personnel in the federal capital ahead of PTI’s planned long march on 4 October.
A letter from the chief commissioner’s office, reported by Dawn, sought to extend the provision of Rangers personnel, along with their command structure, to Islamabad Capital Territory Police from 5 to 15 October.
The existing deployment was authorised by the interior ministry from 20 September to 5 October. The latest letter seeks an extension; it does not constitute approval of the additional period.
Authorities have placed hundreds of containers as part of preparations to prevent protesters from entering the capital. Additional police personnel from Punjab and Sindh have also been deployed.
The earlier notification authorised the Rangers deployment under Sections 7(b) and 10 of the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959, and Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti Terrorism Act, 1997.
It permitted personnel to perform legally specified duties as authorised by the Islamabad chief commissioner or the provincial government.
The notification also allowed deployed personnel to respond in self defence to threats or violent activities encountered during their duties, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
Separately, the interior ministry directed Rangers and police to take necessary action in self defence if attacked by disruptive and armed groups, and to respond to violent activity.
Gatherings in the capital are also prohibited under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, 2024.
The federal government has warned against marching into Islamabad or blocking its roads. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has cautioned PTI against proceeding towards confrontation and suggested a permanent response to recurring protests.
