ISLAMABAD — The federal government has extended the deployment of paramilitary Rangers in the capital to October 15, issuing a formal notification on Saturday, as political tensions escalate ahead of a planned long march by the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Under the extension, 3,000 Rangers personnel will remain stationed in Islamabad beyond the earlier approved deadline of October 5. Authorities had initially requested the prolonged deployment, official documents confirmed, citing heightened security requirements in and around the capital.
Long March Set to Begin from Lakki Marwat
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi announced that the first phase of the long march would commence on Sunday from Gundi Chowk in Lakki Marwat. The march, organised by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan’s party, is due to depart from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa toward Islamabad.
Security forces have positioned shipping containers to block key routes leading into the capital, while transporters have complained of disrupted freight movement caused by the road closures.
Talks End Without Breakthrough
Negotiations between the opposition and the government concluded without any positive outcome, leaving a deadlock in place as the PTI presses ahead with its march. According to sources, the impasse had shifted to counterterrorism-related administrative matters.
The PTI was reportedly reluctant to accept certain administrative measures in terrorism-affected areas and remained hesitant over the government’s position on counterterrorism strategy. Sources said the government had made clear that progress on other issues would remain blocked if there was no movement on the counterterrorism matter.
Opposition leader Allama Nasir Abbas confirmed that a deadlock persists in negotiations, stating that matters would not be finalised until a meeting with the PTI founder takes place.
Political Consultations Intensify
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with President Asif Zardari, consulting with top political leadership and legal experts as the government weighs its options amid the standoff.
The extended Rangers deployment underscores the government’s preparations for potential unrest, with security already heightened across the capital region ahead of the opposition’s planned mobilisation.
