LAHORE, September 24, 2026: Security preparations have intensified across Punjab ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) march planned for Islamabad on September 27, with authorities imposing restrictions on public gatherings, seeking the deployment of Rangers in four districts and preparing additional measures to control movement on major routes leading towards the federal capital.

The developments come as PTI continues preparations for its planned protest, which the party has linked to its demand for the release of its founder and former prime minister Imran Khan. Government authorities, meanwhile, have cited law-and-order and security concerns while announcing restrictions and additional security arrangements.

Section 144 imposed across Punjab

The Punjab government has imposed Section 144 across the province for 13 days, from September 23 until October 5, according to a notification issued by the provincial Home Department.

Under the notification, gatherings, processions and assemblies involving five or more people have been prohibited at public places, streets, roads, highways, motorways and open spaces.

The restrictions also cover the carrying and display of weapons and activities encouraging people to participate in unlawful gatherings.

However, the notification provides exemptions for certain activities, including weddings, funeral prayers and burials, as well as gatherings at mosques and other places of worship.

The Punjab government has cited what it describes as serious security threats to public peace and the safety of citizens. Authorities have said that large public gatherings could potentially become targets for attacks.

These security concerns have been cited as one of the reasons for tightening restrictions ahead of the expected political activity surrounding the September 27 PTI march.

Rangers sought in four districts

The Punjab Home Department has also requested the federal government to deploy Pakistan Rangers in Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum and Mianwali to assist the provincial police with maintaining law and order.

According to a letter reported by Dawn, the requested deployment period runs from September 22 to October 5. The request includes three Rangers companies for Rawalpindi, five wings for Attock, and one company each for Jhelum and Mianwali.

The proposed deployment is being sought under relevant constitutional and legal provisions, including Article 245 of the Constitution, as well as provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, according to the Home Department's request.

The issue was reportedly discussed at a meeting of Punjab's Standing Committee of the Cabinet on Law and Order before the provincial government authorised the request to the federal Interior Ministry.

More than 43,000 police personnel prepared

Police preparations have also been intensified in Rawalpindi Division.

Dawn reported that more than 43,000 police personnel, equipped with anti-riot gear, have been planned for deployment in the division in connection with the expected protest activity.

In Rawalpindi district alone, more than 10,600 police personnel are expected to be deployed at entry points, blocking points, police pickets and streets connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

According to the report, 3,100 personnel are planned for 26 entry points, while another 1,800 are to be deployed at 73 blocking points. Police pickets are also planned at multiple locations.

Authorities are also preparing additional deployments in neighbouring districts, including Jhelum, Murree and Chakwal.

Containers placed at strategic locations

Security authorities have identified several important routes and entry points that could be used by protesters travelling towards Islamabad.

Containers are being positioned at strategic locations as part of the security arrangements. Dawn reported that 126 containers were planned for use in Murree, Jhelum and Chakwal, while additional containers were being prepared for other routes.

Attock is particularly important because it connects Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with northern Punjab and the Islamabad-Rawalpindi region.

Authorities have previously increased security at locations including Attock Bridge, Haroon Bridge, Chachh Interchange and other important crossings.

Major highways closed

The security measures extend beyond Punjab's internal roads.

According to Dawn, authorities have decided to close important routes connecting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Islamabad. The Islamabad-Peshawar Motorway (M-1) has been closed between the Islamabad Toll Plaza and Chhachh Interchange.

The M-14 motorway, also known as the Islamabad-Dera Ismail Khan Motorway, has been closed between Hakla and Kundal. The GT Road (N-5) has also been closed at Attock Khurd.

The closures were reported as being implemented to prevent protesters from reaching Islamabad ahead of the September 27 demonstration.

The restrictions could affect normal movement between Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the federal capital, particularly if the closures continue for an extended period.

Possible mobile and internet restrictions

The Punjab Home Department has also requested the federal government to consider suspending or downgrading mobile and internet services at selected locations in Rawalpindi and Attock on September 27.

According to reports, the proposed areas include locations around Brahma Bahter, Taxila, Wah Sadar, Thallian and Chakri, among others.

Geo News reported that the request includes weakening mobile signals or suspending services in specified areas as part of the security plan. The measure has been described by officials as a law-and-order precaution linked to the expected protest.

Any telecommunications restrictions would potentially affect residents, businesses and travellers in the specified areas in addition to people participating in the protest.

PTI maintains its protest plans

PTI has announced that it intends to hold its long march towards Islamabad on September 27.

The party has linked the protest to demands including the release of Imran Khan and what its leaders describe as the protection of constitutional rights.

The planned march follows weeks of political tension and mobilisation by PTI supporters in different parts of the country.

PTI leaders have continued to communicate their intention to proceed with the protest despite the security measures announced by federal and provincial authorities.

Government officials, on the other hand, have warned against activities that could disrupt public movement, trade, businesses and access to public services.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi previously urged PTI to reconsider its September 27 protest plans and warned that the government would take steps to maintain public order.

Islamabad also under Section 144

Security restrictions are not limited to Punjab.

The Islamabad administration has separately enforced Section 144 in the federal capital and said that gatherings and assemblies are prohibited.

According to the Islamabad district administration, legal action may be taken against violations. Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate with security institutions and avoid unlawful activities.

The federal capital is therefore preparing for increased security activity as the September 27 date approaches.

What happens next?

The coming days are expected to remain important for both PTI and the authorities.

For PTI, the key issue is whether the party can organise and bring supporters towards Islamabad despite restrictions on gatherings and road movement.

For the authorities, the challenge is to maintain public order while managing the movement of ordinary citizens, commercial traffic and residents who may be affected by road closures and security deployments.

The situation is still developing. The government's restrictions are officially being presented as security and law-and-order measures, while PTI continues to maintain its political demands and plans for the September 27 protest.

Further decisions regarding road closures, telecommunications services, security deployments and the movement of protesters could be announced as the march date approaches.

For residents of Punjab, Rawalpindi, Attock, Islamabad and surrounding areas, the security measures could have a direct impact on travel and daily activities in the days surrounding September 27.

PK-News.com will continue to monitor developments and update this story as authorities and PTI announce further decisions.