Pakistan’s Rangers play a key role in protecting citizens during national celebrations. Paramilitary rangers are often deployed to bolster local policing. For instance, in Karachi, Rangers were deployed on Independence Day. This was a comprehensive security plan that covered the whole city. Similarly, on Eid holidays, Rangers are mobilized to ensure citizen safety. They reinforce police patrols and checkpoints. Rangers also manage crowd control, markets, and public venues. In 2024, Karachi’s Rangers intensified monitoring of mosques in the last 10 days of Ramadan. This was done as a safety check so no dangerous activity could take place. Patrols of commercial and entertainment areas also increase close to Eid.
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Pakistan Rangers personnel often work alongside police at large public events. They are deployed during national-day concerts. Rangers mingle with the public in normal clothes to ensure safety and manage crowds. City-wide measures include Ranger units and specialized squads. These squads patrol roads, checkpoints, and major landmarks on Independence Day. In 2024, Rangers were especially praised for their extraordinary security measures across Karachi. In Lahore and other cities, Rangers are always prepared. Police, supplemented by Rangers, guard border shrines. They also help in strengthening urban security plans.
Eid Security: Prayers, Processions, and Markets
Eid celebrations are perhaps the most high-profile events in the country. Millions of people gather in mosques and public places. Hence, security personnel have to remain extra vigilant. They have to maintain order as well as protect against potential terror attacks. Due to the scale of Eid celebrations, Rangers collaborate with the police on Eid duty. They man checkpoints leading to big mosques and enforce closures around prayer sites. On Eid al-Adha, Rangers patrol slaughterhouses and cattle markets. In 2024, Karachi police designed a foolproof plan to manage the city’s giant cattle market. The plan involved Rangers who were building road checkpoints and conducting sweeps of nearby areas. This joint effort by the police and rangers guaranteed a safe environment for crowds and traders.
Source: The Express Tribune
Coordination is also strict on Eid al-Fitr. Security plans are made weeks ahead. One news report described the proceedings of a security conference in Karachi. In March 2025, Sindh Rangers’ Director General took a detailed review of security plans for national celebrations. These included high-risk events, such as Youm-e-Ali, the last ten days of Ramadan, Chaand Raat, and Eid al-Fitr. Intensified joint patrols by police and Rangers were instructed. Strict checking at all entry points was enforced. Both security forces worked together in conducting vehicle checks and mobile patrols. Security was especially tight around mosques and shopping districts. This year, Rangers remained deployed till the day of Eid al-Fitr. Authorities had warned against activities like aerial firing and one-wheeling. Rangers were there to enforce this ban on busy roads.
Coordinating Security Plans and Joint Operations
Rangers also regularly coordinate with police and intelligence agencies to prevent possible threats. Planners lay out security plans in high-level meetings. In March 2025, a senior session at Rangers headquarters reviewed the law and order situation in Karachi. Although it focused on Muhurram, the plan applied broadly. HQ approved intensified joint flag marches and snap-checking operations by Rangers and Police. Stronger inter-agency intelligence sharing was also instructed. Rangers do not work alone. Typically, they are deployed under provincial directives, alongside CTD and police, to ensure safety during major events.
In operational terms, Rangers manage a range of security activities. These include manning checkpoints, conducting quick-reaction teams (QRTs) at hotspots. They also handle high-level tasks such as placing snipers or bomb-disposal at sensitive locations. Punjab has been known to have ordered snipers for a Category A mosque rooftops. Commandos dressed in plainclothes during the Eid prayer congregation carried out the task. Rangers have filled similar roles in Sindh. During large rallies and parents, rangers provide armed reinforcements. Through joint operations, they monitor traffic on all major routes. At cultural events, Rangers in disguise are always prepared to spot trouble. This was seen in action in the 2025 National Stadium concert at Karachi.
Source: The Jamestown Foundation
Recent Deployments and Actions
During the past year, Rangers have played a significant role in providing security. Through joint operations, they have ensured public safety on national holidays. Indeed, Sindh Rangers deployed soldiers on guard duty along the Pak-India border during Eid 2024. Joint raids and arrests were conducted for a criminal who disrupted the festival space. Intelligence-based operations in Korangi were carried out. Sindh Rangers and Karachi police arrested two suspects who were damaging public property. Rangers not only protect scheduled events but also pursue possible instigators of chaos. Similarly, on Independence Day 2025, Rangers supported traffic strategies in Lahore and Karachi. They patrolled Karachi bazars and old landmarks, assisting in keeping people calm as citizens tend to gather to celebrate.
Conclusion
The Rangers play a vital role in keeping Pakistan’s cities safe during national celebrations. Their presence reassures the public and helps prevent both crime and disorder. By working closely with police and other agencies, they make sure that events can be enjoyed in peace. People can celebrate with confidence knowing security is in place. Their role will remain important as cities grow and gatherings become larger.
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