The federal government has authorized the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi for six months.
Additionally, the Pakistan Army deployed in Rawalpindi will perform what the government describes as sensitive security duties.
According to an Interior Ministry order dated August 21, the deployment was approved following a request from the Punjab Home Department.
Authorities issued the order under Article 245 of the Constitution, which provides for the deployment of the armed forces in aid of civil power.
Army deployment aimed at preventing security incidents
According to the government order, the troops have been deployed to help prevent any ‘undesirable situation’.
Additionally, they will respond effectively to unforeseen circumstances as required by the district administration.
The deployment has taken effect immediately. It will remain in place for a period of six months.
The Interior Ministry order does not provide more details about the sensitive security duties or identify any particular threat that prompted the deployment.
Deployment authorized under Article 245
Article 245 of the Constitution provides the legal framework for deploying Pakistan’s armed forces in aid of civil power.
Under the order, Pakistan Army deployed in Rawalpindi will have three army companies operating in support of the district administration. Additionally, this occurs during the authorized period.
The move comes amid heightened attention to security arrangements in the twin-city region, although the government order does not publicly specify a particular incident or security threat behind the decision.
The deployment is expected to remain subject to the requirements of the district administration during the six-month period.