Troops in Rawalpindi okayed for six months

The Pakistani federal government has authorized the deployment of three army companies in Rawalpindi for a period of six months to perform sensitive security duties. The decision, formalized in an interior ministry order dated August 21, comes in response to a request from the Punjab Home Department. The army will be tasked with responding effectively to any unforeseen situations and avoiding undesirable outcomes, as per the requirements of the district administration.

This deployment, which takes effect immediately, is particularly significant as it occurs more than a month before the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party's planned long march towards Islamabad on September 27. The party anticipates a massive turnout of around two million participants for this march.

The authorization is granted under Article 245 of the Constitution, which allows the government to deploy armed forces in aid of civil power. This provision enables the military to assist civilian authorities in maintaining law and order, protecting vital installations, and responding to emergencies. The move also occurs amidst ongoing controversy surrounding the implementation of a Supreme Court order concerning the treatment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan at Shifa International Hospital, with allegations of contempt of court exchanged between PTI and PML-N.

Rawalpindi, a city housing key military and government installations, often experiences heightened security during significant political activities, religious observances, and periods of security concern. Its proximity to Islamabad means extensive security arrangements are typically in place during protests, elections, and large public gatherings. The Punjab Home Department's request and the federal government's approval suggest concerns about potential law and order challenges in the coming months, although the specific nature of the threat has not been detailed.

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Pursuant to the request made by the Punjab Home Department […] the federal government, in exercise of the powers conferred under Article 245 of the Cons­titution, is pleased to authorise deployment of three companies of Pakistan Army for sensitive security duties in Rawalpindi to avoid any undesirable situation as well as to respond effectively in any unforeseen situation as per the requirement of the district administration for a period of six months with immediate effect.