ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet in its meeting held on April 13, 2021 approved deployment of 17 companies of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) in eight cities under section 4(2) & 5 Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, official sources told Business Recorder.

The Interior Division apprised the Cabinet that the Home Department, Government of Punjab, Lahore had intimated that Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) had started protest demonstrations and sit-ins across Punjab.

It further stated that it was mandatory to take all necessary measures for maintaining law and order during demonstrations and sit-ins by TLP. They requested for deployment of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) to ensure law and order situation with immediate effect and till de-requisitioning request as per the following details: 6 companies in Lahore, 2 companies Rawalpindi, 3 companies Multan, 2 companies Gujrat, 1 company Bahawalpur, 1 company Mandi Baha ud-Din, 1 company, Jhelum and 1 company Bahawalnagar.

Ministry of Interior stated that in the light of clarification of Law & Justice Division, Federal Government had been defined as "Federal Cabinet", therefore, approval of Cabinet was sought in this regard. Deployment orders of Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) under Section 7(b) of Pakistan Rangers Ordinance, 1959 had been issued, whereas approval of the Cabinet was required for conferment of powers under ATA, 1997 (as amended).

The government of Punjab may be authorized to re-deploy the approved strength of troops within Punjab as per requirement. During a discussion, a member suggested that instead of deploying paramilitary forces, a 'riot police' on the model of Turkey be raised. After a brief discussion, the Cabinet directed Interior Division to look into a possibility of raising a 'riot police' on the model of Turkey and bring a comprehensive proposal to the Cabinet.

Due to urgency of the matter, the Cabinet directed the Cabinet Secretary to issue the decision without waiting for formal approval of the minutes by the Prime Minister.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021