Govt decides to deploy Rangers, FC in Islamabad ahead PTI protest

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to deploy paramilitary forces in Islamabad in response to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) planned “decisive” protest on November 24. The Ministry of Interior has approved the deployment of Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) to address potential unrest and violence during the protest.

According to reports, the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad formally requested this deployment in a letter to the interior ministry. A notification has been issued, stating that both paramilitary forces will operate under the Anti-Terrorism Act to assist the Islamabad police in maintaining law and order. Rangers personnel will be stationed at strategic points across the capital to prevent any disturbances, safeguard public property, and ensure citizen safety.

PTI founder Imran Khan, currently in custody, has called for the final protest in Islamabad on November 24. His close ally, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, vowed not to return home until Khan is released. Additionally, Bushra Bibi, Khan’s wife, urged party members to develop strategies to avoid arrests during the demonstrations, reportedly describing the protest day as a “test of loyalty” for PTI members in an audio message.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad administration has imposed Section 144 for two months, prohibiting gatherings of five or more people, rallies, processions, and demonstrations. The ban applies to public areas, including the Red Zone, which houses government buildings, diplomatic missions, and other sensitive sites.