ISLAMABAD, November 21,2024: The government has approved the deployment of Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel in Islamabad, alongside the provision of huge quantity of anti-riot equipment for the capital’s police, ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest and sit-in scheduled for November 24.
A notification issued by the Ministry of Interior, following a request from the Chief Commissioner’s Office, authorized the deployment of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) and FC troops in Islamabad under the powers granted by the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
The exact number of personnel, as well as the date and areas of deployment, will be decided in consultation with relevant authorities.
In addition to the troop deployment, Islamabad police have stepped up security measures across the city, conducting random vehicle checks and inspecting motorbike riders.
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Shipping containers have also been placed along key roads and entry/exit points to control traffic and prevent potential disruptions.
Earlier, the federal government imposed Section 144 in Islamabad, banning all public gatherings of five or more people, along with processions, rallies, and demonstrations for a period of two months.
The city police have also formally requested the Ministry of Interior for additional anti-riot equipment. In a letter to the Ministry, the police outlined the need for 5,000 anti-riot suits, 10,000 shields and batons, 30,000 rubber bullets, 500 new tear gas guns, and 20,000 long-range shells, as well as other necessary supplies from both Punjab and Sindh police.
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In addition, the police requested 12 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) vehicles, two water cannons, 20 buses, and 60 prisoner vans from Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) police to aid in managing security during the protest.