Islamabad seeks to prolong Rangers presence as PTI plans long march

The chief commissioner of Islamabad sent a letter requesting that the 3,000-strong Pakistan Rangers unit remain in the capital past the original end date authorized by the interior ministry. This request follows the ministry's earlier notice that allowed the Rangers to operate from late September until early October under specific legal provisions. Authorities have been reinforcing security by positioning hundreds of containers and dispatching extra police forces from Sindh and Punjab.

The interior ministry has instructed that Rangers and police may take necessary counter-actions if faced with attacks from disruptive groups. Meanwhile, public gatherings are prohibited under the recently passed Peaceful Assembly and Public Order Act, and the interior minister has cautioned the PTI against advancing toward the capital.