LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: Security preparations have intensified across Punjab and the federal capital ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned September 27 long march, with the Punjab government seeking the deployment of the army and Rangers while Islamabad Police has requested 18,000 additional personnel from other provinces.
According to sources, the Punjab Home Department has approached the federal government for Rangers deployment in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali. The provincial government has also requested the deployment of army personnel in Rawalpindi.
The proposed deployment of the army and Rangers would remain in place until October 5, according to the request sent to the federal authorities. The matter was also discussed by the Punjab Cabinet’s Standing Committee on Law and Justice as officials reviewed security arrangements for the expected political activity.
The measures come as authorities prepare for possible demonstrations and movement towards Islamabad following the PTI’s September 27 protest call. Punjab Police has already been preparing a wider security plan, with more than 45,000 personnel expected to be deployed at different locations, including around 30,000 in Attock and 6,000 in Rawalpindi.
In Islamabad, police have sought 16,000 personnel from Punjab and another 2,000 from Sindh. The request also includes three deputy inspectors general, seven senior superintendents of police and 18 superintendents of police.
Authorities have also moved more than 2,000 containers to strategic locations in Islamabad and Attock as part of preparations for the march. Police sources have estimated that between 20,000 and 25,000 protesters could reach Islamabad, while security arrangements are scheduled to be completed before the expected September 27 mobilisation.
Alongside the security preparations, back-channel political contacts have continued between the government and the PTI.
According to a report carried by ARY News, a senior federal official contacted PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and opposition leader Raja Nasir Abbas over the party’s long march call. Sources said the discussions focused on finding a possible middle ground.
Government sources said the PTI had been told to remain peaceful and not cross what officials described as a defined line. The government’s position, according to the sources, was that the march would not be allowed to proceed in a manner that could threaten public order.
PTI sources, meanwhile, said the party’s leadership could not postpone the march because of pressure from its workers. The two sides were expected to remain in contact and resume discussions during the political activity.
The government had already initiated back-channel contacts with PTI leadership earlier this month amid preparations for the September 27 protest.
PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar has publicly maintained that the September 27 protest call stands. He has said the party intends to hold a peaceful demonstration and has rejected suggestions that protesters would take the law into their own hands.
The PTI says its nationwide protest and proposed march towards Islamabad are aimed at demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan and pressing for the supremacy of the Constitution.
With negotiations and security preparations continuing simultaneously, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and surrounding districts are now at the centre of heightened preparations ahead of September 27.
