Islamabad, August 22: Security measures in the sensitive military city of Rawalpindi, Pakistan, have been intensified. The Ministry of Interior has ordered the deployment of three companies of the army for six months. Local media reported this information based on official orders, citing the Punjab government’s request as the reason. However, recent developments suggest that political motivations may be at play. Questions are being raised about whether Shehbaz Sharif’s government is fearful of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.
According to the prominent Pakistani daily Dawn, the Ministry of Interior’s order was issued on August 21.
The order states, “Upon the request of the Punjab Home Department, the federal government, using the powers granted under Article 245 of the Constitution, approves the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi for ‘sensitive security operations.’ The aim is to prevent any unwanted situations and to effectively respond to any unforeseen circumstances as per the needs of the district administration. This deployment will be effective immediately for a period of six months.”
Under Article 245 of the Pakistani Constitution, the government can deploy armed forces to assist civil administration when necessary.
While this move is being described as a security measure, a report from The Express Tribune suggests that the reasons may be more political. The report references a shooting incident on Mall Road in Rawalpindi on August 11, where an armed individual allegedly linked to a “specific political party” opened fire on security forces, injuring a patrolling officer.
The assailant, identified as Muhammad Hussain, was killed in a retaliatory action. Citing security sources, Pakistan Television News (PTV) reported that the alleged attacker was from Khyber District and an active member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Following the incident, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticized PTI, accusing the party of inciting violence and unrest. He stated that violent protests have become a pattern for the party and claimed that PTI activists carry weapons during demonstrations.
Earlier this month, PTI made a significant announcement, stating that it would hold a long march toward Islamabad from Rawalpindi on September 27. Shafi Jan, the Information and Public Relations Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), mentioned that this decision was made after discussions with party allies.
This call for a long march came as PTI observed a ‘Black Day’ with nationwide protests to mark the completion of three years of imprisonment for its founder, Imran Khan. The party is demanding the immediate release of its founder and his wife, the restoration of constitutional governance, relief from inflation—which they termed as the ‘people’s mandate’—and a return to democracy.
Opposition parties reiterated on Friday that they are serious about the long march. They also decided to approach the court regarding the government’s failure to implement the Supreme Court‘s orders related to Imran’s medical treatment.
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