Federal government requisitions 23,500 police personnel for Islamabad security

The federal government has requisitioned 23,500 police personnel from Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan for security and related duties

LAHORE: The federal government has requisitioned 23,500 police personnel from Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan for security and related duties in Islamabad, with the deployment directed to be completed by September 20, 2026.

According to Cabinet Division Notification No. 10-9/2026-Min-II, issued on September 12, the request has been declared urgent by the Cabinet Secretariat, directing the provinces to make the required personnel available within eight days.

Punjab has been asked to provide the largest contingent of 15,000 police personnel, while Sindh will send 8,000 and Balochistan 500. The notification, signed by Cabinet Secretary Muhammad Afzal, has been circulated to the provincial governments, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration and relevant federal security and intelligence agencies for immediate compliance.

The notification states that the personnel are required by the federal government for “security and related duties in Islamabad”. However, it does not identify any specific threat, event or operation that has prompted the large-scale requisition.

Sources in the federal government told Minute Mirror that the deployment could be linked to upcoming high-profile events, political gatherings and the need to strengthen law and order arrangements in the capital amid heightened security concerns in recent weeks.

The Cabinet Division has directed the provinces to ensure that the personnel are made available and deployed in Islamabad on September 20. It has also instructed the concerned authorities to treat the matter as urgent and complete all necessary arrangements in time.

The requisition represents one of the largest inter-provincial police deployments in recent years and is expected to place additional pressure on provincial policing resources.

Punjab, which has been asked to provide 15,000 personnel, will bear the largest share of the deployment. Sindh has been tasked with providing 8,000 officers and personnel, while Balochistan will contribute 500.

The respective provincial police departments are expected to begin arrangements for the selection, transportation and logistical management of the personnel to meet the federal deadline.

The development comes against the backdrop of increased security alerts across the country. Days earlier, the Punjab government had imposed Section 144 across the province, citing credible threats of terrorism, including possible suicide attacks and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices during public gatherings.

Security officials and analysts view the federal requisition as part of a precautionary strategy to strengthen Islamabad’s security network and ensure adequate manpower is available to deal with any potential law-and-order challenge.

Officials from the Cabinet Division confirmed the authenticity of the notification when contacted. However, details regarding the exact purpose, duration and operational deployment of the additional personnel have not yet been disclosed.

The Islamabad Capital Territory Administration and federal security agencies are expected to coordinate with the provincial police departments regarding deployment arrangements and responsibilities.

The unusually large number of personnel being sought from three provinces has drawn attention to the security preparations being undertaken in the federal capital. With the September 20 deadline approaching, the provincial authorities now face the task of arranging the required manpower and transportation within a limited timeframe.

Further details about the nature of the deployment and whether the personnel will remain in Islamabad beyond the initial assignment are expected to emerge after coordination between the federal and provincial authorities.