The federal government has approved the deployment of Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel in Islamabad starting November 22 to address the law and order situation ahead of the PTI’s planned November 24 rally, termed the “final call” by party founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The rally is aimed at protesting against alleged electoral fraud, arrests of PTI members, and the government’s push to pass the 26th constitutional amendment.
Since Imran Khan’s arrest in August 2023 on multiple charges, the PTI has been organizing protests nationwide, demanding his release and raising concerns about the February 8 election results.
In response, the federal and Punjab governments have heightened security measures. Police across Punjab are on high alert, and Section 144 has been extended in Islamabad for two more months. A notification issued by the interior ministry authorized the deployment of Rangers and FC personnel under the Anti-Terrorism Act, with specific arrangements to be finalized in coordination with relevant authorities.
The deployment request came from the Islamabad police chief’s office, which highlighted the need for additional security to prevent any untoward incidents during the rally. The police have requested 5,000 Rangers and 4,000 FC personnel, in addition to the 1,000 FC troops already stationed in the capital. These forces will operate under a structured command and be equipped with riot control gear.
Meanwhile, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqqas Akram criticized the government’s actions, stating that the protest is a fundamental right and accusing authorities of being heavy-handed. He expressed confidence in a massive turnout, calling it a “sea of people,” and said the government’s strict measures reflect its fear and frustration. Akram also questioned why resources were being diverted to control protests instead of addressing security threats like terrorism.
