LAHORE-Punjab government has decided to keep the Army and Rangers on standby, in all the cities/towns of the entire province including Lahore, on 14th August.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) sources said that the decision to keep army and rangers on standby has been taken as pre emptive 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. It 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 today said that the provincial government was considering a host of administrative measures in Lahore including imposition of section 144 which forbids assembly of people ahead of anti-government protests.

The provincial law minister said measures like a ban on pillion riding, closure of petrol stations and suspension of cellular phone services are also on the cards.

According to the sources, the Punjab government has also called Rangers in the provincial capital for security purpose on "Day of martyred" to be observed by Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and 'Azadi March' to be held by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The sources said that the Rangers would remain deployed from August 10 to 14. More contingent of the Rangers would be called out if needed, they added.