Army
The Pakistani government has invoked Article 245 of the Constitution to deploy the Army in Islamabad, aiming to assist civil authorities in maintaining law and order amidst escalating violence.
This decision comes after repeated attacks on law enforcement agencies, which have significantly intensified tensions in the capital.
According to security sources, the deployment follows directives to deal firmly with anarchists and miscreants. Orders have been issued to use lethal force against those inciting violence, with a clear shoot-on-sight directive in place.
The authorities emphasized that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent terrorist acts by anarchist and militant elements.
The violence has already claimed several lives. On the Srinagar Highway, miscreants rammed a vehicle into Rangers personnel, leading to the martyrdom of four officials and critically injuring five others, including Rangers and police personnel.
Similar attacks have resulted in the martyrdom of two police officers. Over 100 police personnel have sustained injuries in various areas, many of them critically wounded. These incidents are part of the unrest that erupted following the PTI’s protest march on Islamabad.
Article 245(1) of the Constitution empowers the armed forces to act in aid of civil authorities under federal government directives.
It also restricts judicial oversight over the armed forces’ actions in such circumstances, ensuring that the decisions cannot be challenged in court. This provision highlights the extraordinary nature of the current measures.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a late-night media address, hinted at additional measures, including imposing a curfew, deploying the army, or considering “a third option” to curb the violence.
Naqvi sternly warned PTI protesters to restrict their demonstration to the Sangjani area, stating that entry into Islamabad would not be permitted.
He underscored that the government would take extreme steps if compelled by continued violence, including curfew imposition and the use of force.
The interior minister expressed concern over attempts by protesters to provoke bloodshed, cautioning that any acts of violence, including gunfire, would be met with a strong response.
Despite offering an alternative protest site, he criticized the PTI for escalating tensions, adding that the government’s priority is to prevent loss of life while maintaining order in the city.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
