The federal government has extended the Rangers deployment in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab until October 15, 2026, ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s planned long march on October 4. According to sources, the extension was ordered on the request of the Islamabad chief commissioner and the Punjab Home Department.
Key Facts
- Extended until: October 15, 2026
- Requested by: the Islamabad chief commissioner and the Punjab Home Department
- Previous deployment period: September 20 to October 5, 2026
- PTI march rescheduled: from September 27 to October 4
Rangers Deployment Extended as PTI March Moves to October 4
Rangers personnel were originally deployed from September 20 to October 5, 2026, under a Ministry of Interior notification issued pursuant to the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959 and the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. The troops were authorized to perform duties assigned by the Islamabad chief commissioner and the provincial government.
Earlier, the Punjab government had sought Rangers deployment for four districts — Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali — requesting three companies for Rawalpindi (including two for Taxila), five wings for Attock, and one company each for Jhelum and Mianwali. Army personnel were also requested for Rawalpindi. Read more of our world coverage.
PTI Postponed Its March From September 27
The PTI, founded by former prime minister Imran Khan, postponed its long march toward Islamabad from September 27 to October 4. The announcement was made on September 26 by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi. The party says the march aims to secure the release of Khan, who has been in jail since 2023, and to press what it calls the restoration of constitutional supremacy.
PTI spokesperson Zulfi Bukhari told Reuters the party could launch the march even earlier than October 4 if it deemed fit. Authorities have in recent days detained three of Khan’s sisters and hundreds of party activists, citing the need to maintain public order.
Government’s Stance on the Protest
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said on September 21 that the government would adopt a permanent strategy to handle the planned march, warning that “the country will not be allowed to remain shut for 10 to 20 days” because of protests. He vowed the Islamabad High Court’s order — which bars political parties from occupying roads and public buildings — would be implemented “in letter and spirit.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said no talks with the PTI are possible until the long march is postponed. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has called for de-escalation, expressing concern over reported arrests and preventive detentions of PTI workers and leaders.
Conclusion
The extension of the Rangers deployment to October 15 underscores the government’s determination to keep the capital functional as the rescheduled PTI march approaches. With both sides holding their positions, October 4 is shaping up to be a critical test of Pakistan’s political and security landscape. This story is also published on watannews.dk.
