The federal government has requisitioned 23,500 police personnel from Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan for security and related duties in Islamabad, with the deployment scheduled to be completed by September 20, 2026.
According to a Cabinet Division notification issued on September 12, the request has been declared urgent by the Cabinet Secretariat. The provincial governments have been directed 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 contribute 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 for “security and related duties in Islamabad.” However, it does not specify a particular threat, event or operation behind the large-scale deployment.
Federal government sources said the additional personnel could be required for upcoming high-profile events, political gatherings and strengthened law-and-order arrangements in the capital amid heightened security concerns. However, the exact operational purpose and duration of the deployment have not been disclosed.
The requisition is expected to place additional pressure on provincial police resources, particularly Punjab, which has been tasked with providing more than half of the total contingent.
Provincial police departments are expected to begin arrangements for selecting personnel, transportation and other logistical requirements to meet the federal government’s September 20 deadline.
The development comes amid increased security alerts across the country. Security officials have been focusing on strengthening arrangements in major cities and ensuring adequate manpower is available to respond to potential law-and-order challenges.
The Islamabad Capital Territory Administration and federal security agencies are expected to coordinate with the provincial police departments regarding deployment arrangements and responsibilities.
Officials from the Cabinet Division have confirmed the authenticity of the notification. However, further details about the nature, duration and exact deployment of the additional personnel are expected to emerge after coordination between federal and provincial authorities.
The unusually large requisition from three provinces highlights the security preparations being undertaken in the federal capital ahead of September 20.
