ISLAMABAD: In light of escalating protests in Islamabad, additional troops from the Pakistan Army have been deployed to ensure foolproof security in the key areas including the Srinagar Highway, sources reported.
The army troops has taken control of key areas, including Srinagar Highway, to prevent any untoward incidents.
Sources also revealed that the army is fully prepared to deal with any acts of violence or unrest with a firm hand.
PTI protest: Islamabad continues to remain under ‘lockdown’
In coordination with local authorities, army personnel have assumed responsibilities at major points leading to D-Chowk, a focal area for the ongoing demonstrations.
The military’s deployment is part of the government’s broader strategy to maintain law and order in the capital amid the volatile situation.
The decision to call in the army for Islamabad security came on the heels of a complete lockdown of the twin cities because of the PTI’s planned protest at D-Chowk – right in front of parliament in the Red Zone – with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur vowing to reach there at any cost.
The Ministry of Interior had issued orders for the deployment of the Pakistan Army under Article 245 of the Constitution, and the deployment of army troops in Islamabad and surrounding areas has been completed.
A notification issued by the interior ministry stated that the army would remain in the capital from October 5 to 17 for maintaining law and order situation.
The notification added that the army had been called in on the request of the chief commissioner Islamabad “for maintaining law and order situation with respect to 23rd meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government and visits of VVIP delegations for the said meeting”.