Army, Rangers to remain standby in Punjab on August 14

LAHORE: Punjab government has decided to keep the Army and Rangers on standby in all the cities/towns of the province including the capital city.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) sources told Geo News that the decision to keep army, Rangers on standby has been taken as a preemptive measure to avert any untoward incident in the backdrop of operation Zarb-e-Azb underway in North Waziristan.

Army and Rangers under this arrangement could be called in any district of the province when required, sources said. They will also ensure safety and security against threats from terrorists to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) August 14 Azadi March, sources said.

Meanwhile, Punjab Law Minister Rana Mashood said the imposition of Section 144 along with the suspension of pillion riding and mobile phone services was also being considered in the province during the PTI and PAT marches.

Masood told reporters petrol stations had been shut on GT Road due to threat of attacks while at least 36 people possessing weapons had been arrested.