Punjab seeks army, rangers deployment ahead of PTI march

The Punjab government has sought the federal government for army and Rangers’ deployment in several areas in view of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) likely lengthy march on September 27.

Sources said that Punjab government has sought Rangers deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali districts. Punjab Home Department has also proposed deployment of army forces in Rawalpindi.

The Punjab government has written to the federal government for army and Rangers’ deployment till October 5. The request was made for law and order maintenance in view of the expected political activities, sources said.

The topic was also discussed by the Standing Committee of Punjab Cabinet on Law and Justice, sources said.

Ahead of a likely PTI march, the Islamabad Police has also requested 18,000 more troops from Punjab and Sindh.

Police sources claimed 16,000 men have been requested from Punjab Police while another 2,000 from Sindh Police. The Islamabad police has also sought three deputy inspectors general (DIGs), seven senior superintendents of police (SSPs) and 18 superintendents of police (SPs) from the two provinces.

The demands are part of security measures in and around Islamabad in the run-up to the political action on September 27.