Govt approves army deployment in Rawalpindi under Article 245 for six months

The Pakistani federal government has authorized the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi for a six-month period under Article 245 of the Constitution. This move, as stated in a notification by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, was initiated at the request of the Home Department of the Punjab government.

The primary objective of the deployment is to maintain security and respond effectively to any unforeseen situations within the district. The decision follows an incident wherein an armed individual, Muhammad Hussain, allegedly opened fire on security forces on Rawalpindi's Mall Road, resulting in the death of a patrolling officer.

Hussain, described as an active member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), was subsequently killed in retaliatory firing. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has criticized the PTI for promoting violence and unrest, alleging that the party's members carry weapons during demonstrations. Additionally, PTI has announced plans to hold a long march to Islamabad on September 27, following nationwide protests demanding the release of party founder Imran Khan and his wife, a restoration of constitutional rule, and an end to inflation.

Opposition leaders, including National Assembly Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai and PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan, have reiterated their support for the long march and are seeking legal recourse from the Supreme Court over the government's failure to implement an order concerning Imran Khan's medical treatment.