Pakistan Army deployed in Rawalpindi for 6 months for 'sensitive security duties'

Government authorises army deployment in Rawalpindi

The federal government has authorised the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi for a period of six months to perform "sensitive security duties", according to an interior ministry order dated August 21. The order, issued under Article 245 of the Constitution, states that the deployment is intended "to avoid any undesirable situation as well as to respond effectively in any unforeseen situation" and is made "as per the requirement of the district administration".

The interior ministry's notification, issued pursuant to a request by the Punjab Home Department, authorises the deployment with immediate effect. Article 245 of the Constitution provides for the deployment of armed forces in aid of civil power, allowing the government to call upon the military to assist civilian authorities in maintaining law and order or responding to emergencies.

The approval was reported on Saturday by Dawn and The Nation, both of which cited the interior ministry's order. The Times of India also reported the deployment, describing it as coming after a request from the Punjab home department.

Context: Planned PTI long march and political tensions

The deployment takes place more than a month before the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has planned a long march towards Islamabad. The party claims the September 27 march could draw around two million participants.

Dawn also noted that the deployment comes amid controversy over the implementation of the Supreme Court's order concerning Imran Khan's treatment at Shifa International Hospital, with PTI and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) trading allegations of contempt of court.

Rawalpindi, a garrison city and home to key military and government installations, is frequently placed on heightened security during major political activity, religious events and periods of increased security concern. The city also borders Islamabad and has seen extensive security arrangements during protest movements and elections.

Recent security incident in Rawalpindi

The Times of India reported that the decision comes days after a man allegedly linked to PTI opened fire at security forces in Rawalpindi and was killed in retaliatory firing. According to the report, state-run PTV News, citing security sources, said the attacker was a resident of Khyber district and an "active PTI member", with a PTI flag, bullets and weapons recovered from him.

However, PTI rejected any connection with the incident, saying the party had nothing to do with terrorism and accusing authorities of attempting to associate the party with the attack.

Legal basis and past practice

The deployment is authorised under Article 245 of the Constitution. Clause (1) of the article states: "The Armed Forces shall, under the directions of the Federal Government, defend Pakistan against external aggression or threat of war, and, subject to law, act in aid of civil power when called upon to do so."

Dawn noted that district administrations in Punjab have previously sought army assistance under Article 245 during Muharram, election periods, and times of heightened terror alerts. The current deployment, however, is notable for its six-month duration and the explicit reference to "sensitive security duties" in the garrison city.