Rangers deployed in Islamabad, Punjab districts to maintain law and order

The federal government on Thursday approved the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab to assist police in maintaining law and order and responding to potential security threats, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior. The approval came a day after the Punjab government sought Rangers assistance in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali until October 5, with the deployment approved by the provincial cabinet’s Standing Committee on Law and Order on September 20 following a request from Punjab Police. The deployment was to be carried out under Article 245 of the Constitution and relevant provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 and Pakistan Rangers Ordinance 1959. The ministry approved the deployment following requests from the Chief Commissioner Islamabad and the Punjab government. Rangers personnel were deployed under Sections 7(b) and 10 of the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance 1959 and Sections 4 and 5 of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. The notification authorised the Rangers to provide full assistance to police in maintaining law and order and responding to violent activities or security threats. It also directed Rangers and police personnel to take all appropriate and necessary action in self-defence in the event of attacks by armed or violent groups. The ministry instructed the security forces to take all necessary measures to deal with any violent activity or threat and ensure the protection of public property and lives. The deployed Rangers personnel would perform security duties and assist police authorities in maintaining peace and order in the areas concerned, according to the notification. The move came amid heightened security concerns in Islamabad and parts of Punjab, with authorities seeking additional security support to deal with potential disturbances and threats. Read: Punjab imposes Section 144 across province, seeks Rangers deployment and mobile service suspension The Punjab government had on Wednesday imposed Section 144 across the province for 13 days, from September 23 to October 5, banning gatherings of five or more people in any public place, street, road, highway, motorway or open space. The Punjab Home Department said the restrictions were imposed in view of a “serious and imminent threat” to public peace, tranquillity and the safety of life and property across the province from terrorist organisations and hostile intelligence agencies. The department said intelligence agencies had issued multiple alerts about possible terrorist attacks involving suicide bombers and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices. It warned that rallies, gatherings, sit-ins, processions, demonstrations and other assemblies could become potential targets for such attacks. The restrictions did not apply to marriage ceremonies, funeral prayers, burial gatherings or prayers at mosques and other places of worship. Courts, government institutions and events held with formal permission were also exempt. The Home Department said law-enforcement agencies had requested immediate security measures to address possible terrorism threats. The restrictions were imposed under Section 144(6) of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898. The Punjab Home Department had also asked the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control to downgrade or jam mobile and internet services at selected locations in Rawalpindi and Attock from September 27 for law and order purposes. The department had requested 2G, 3G and 4G network jamming at selected locations in Rawalpindi, while also seeking a downgrade of mobile and internet services in Attock. The requested locations included parts of Rawalpindi along the motorway from Barahma Bahtar to M1, Gango, Ahata, Taxila City, Wah Saddar, Thallian and Chakri. The department said mobile and internet services would remain downgraded at the specified locations from September 27.