The federal government has deployed Punjab Rangers in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab as authorities tighten security ahead of PTI’s expected march towards the federal capital on September 27.
According to a government notification cited by ARY News, the deployment was requested by the Islamabad chief commissioner and Punjab Home Department and will remain in effect from September 20 to October 5.
Rangers personnel will assist civilian authorities in maintaining law and order and carry out duties assigned by the Islamabad administration and Punjab government. The Interior Ministry has directed Rangers and police to take necessary defensive measures in response to attacks by violent or armed groups and to address security threats.
Authorities have also imposed Section 144 in Islamabad, prohibiting public gatherings. The district administration said restrictions were being enforced under the Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act 2024 and warned that violations could result in legal action, including imprisonment of up to three years.
Additional restrictions are planned for September 26 and 27, when mobile phone and internet services are expected to remain suspended in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and parts of Attock, according to sources cited by ARY News.
The measures follow a high-level security meeting that considered possible closures of motorways, the GT Road and other important routes as part of preparations for the anticipated protest.
Traffic restrictions are already being introduced on major approaches to Islamabad. According to the National Highways and Motorway Police, sections of the M-1, M-14 and N-5 GT Road are being closed in both directions at designated locations from Wednesday evening.
The M-1 is being closed between Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chachh Interchange, while the M-14 is being shut between Hakla and Kundal. Traffic on the GT Road is also being blocked in both directions at Attock Khurd.
The security arrangements come as PTI prepares for protest caravans to move towards Islamabad on September 27, with the main procession expected to be led from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa by the provincial chief minister.