Islamabad, 24 September, 2026 (Kamran Raja): The federal government has authorised the deployment of Pakistan Rangers in Islamabad and several districts of Punjab from September 20 to October 5 ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned march towards the federal capital on September 27. According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics, Rangers personnel will be deployed under the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959, and the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997. The notification authorises Rangers and police to take necessary measures against violent activities and security threats, including action in self-defence in the event of attacks by armed or disruptive groups. The deployment follows a request by the Punjab government for Rangers assistance in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali from September 22 to October 5 to support police in maintaining law and order. Section 144 has also been imposed in Islamabad and several parts of Punjab. Meanwhile, government and PTI representatives have exchanged differing statements regarding possible backchannel contacts ahead of the march. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said negotiations with PTI could not take place unless the party postponed its march, adding that roads remained open and containers had been placed as a precautionary measure.