The federal government has approved the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi for a period of six months to assist civil authorities with sensitive security duties.
According to an Interior Ministry order issued on August 21, the deployment was approved under Article 245 of the Constitution following a request from the Punjab Home Department.
The order states that the deployment is intended to help authorities prevent any undesirable situation and respond effectively to unforeseen circumstances. The troops will perform duties in coordination with the relevant civil administration and according to the security requirements identified by local authorities.
The deployment has taken effect immediately and will remain in place for six months under the current authorisation.
Deployment Requested By Punjab Home Department
The decision came after the Punjab Home Department requested the federal government to provide military assistance for security-related responsibilities in Rawalpindi.
Following the request, the Interior Ministry issued the formal notification authorising the deployment of three army companies under the constitutional framework that allows the armed forces to assist civil authorities when required.
The move gives the local administration additional security support while existing police and civil security arrangements continue to operate.
Troops To Assist Civil Authorities
The deployed personnel will assist the civil administration in dealing with sensitive security responsibilities and unforeseen situations. Their duties will be carried out in coordination with the relevant authorities and within the scope of the government’s authorisation.
Article 245 provides a constitutional mechanism through which the armed forces can be called upon to assist civil authorities. Such deployments are generally made when the government determines that additional security support is required.
The six-month deployment provides Rawalpindi’s administration with additional capacity to respond to changing security requirements during the authorised period.
Authorities will continue to assess the situation and coordinate security arrangements as required. Any decision regarding the continuation, modification or withdrawal of the deployment beyond the authorised period would depend on further government directions.
