Army to be deployed in Punjab, KP

Following the Punjab government’s lead, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities have also called in army troops to control the situation on the ground as political tensions rise in the wake of Imran Khan, chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), being dramatically arrested. Ten companies of soldiers have been authorized by the Ministry of Interior in response to the Punjab government’s request for assistance, with the statement that “the army would be working alongside district administration to restore law, order, and peace.”

The order issued by the Federal Ministry of Interior stated: “Pursuant to the request made by the Home Department Government of Punjab, vide their letter No.SO(IS-II)3-15/2023 (Security) (1) Dated 9 May 2023, the federal government in excise of powers conferred under article 245 of the constitution and Section 4 (3) (ii) of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, (to discharge such functions as specified in the said act), is pleased to authorise the deployment of Pakistan Army troops/assets for maintaining law and order situations across the Punjab province in aid of civil power.”

The exact number of troops/assets, date and area of deployment will be worked out by the provincial government in consultation with the MO Dte, GHQ, it added.

“The date of the de-requisition of said deployment will be decided subsequently after mutual consultation between both stakeholders,” the notification said.