Army takes over security of Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The army troops have taken over security responsibilities in the federal capital, Islamabad from today (Saturday) to maintain law and order 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 army has been deployed in addition to the paramilitary Rangers and Frontier Constabulary personnel.

A statement issued on the X account of state broadcaster PTV said the army took over security duties in the federal capital.

PTI protest: Islamabad continues to remain under ‘lockdown’

It said the army had begun patrols to protect the life and property of citizens and maintain law and order, adding that no one would be allowed to disturb the peace.

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”.