ISLAMABAD: Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed said Rangers have been called in to maintain law and order situation in Punjab under Article 147 for sixty days on the request of the provincial government.

Speaking at a news briefing in Islamabad today [Wednesday], Rasheed said Rangers will assist the provincial authorities to maintain law and order in the province.

The minister said that the Punjab government has been given authority to use Rangers wherever it wants for next 60 days.

He said we cannot leave the people on the mercy of violent members of the banned TLP.

He said the government is committed to its agreement with the TLP, but it cannot expel the French Ambassador as severing of diplomatic ties with the international community will augment problems for Pakistan at the global level.