Govt okays army deployment in Islamabad

Amid security concerns, the federal government on Friday approved the deployment of the Pakistan Army in Islamabad till October 17 under Article 245 of the Constitution.

In a notification issued by the interior ministry, the government announced that the military will be deployed in the federal capital to maintain law and order situation during the SCO summit.  

Army has been deployed in the federal capital for the security of VIP delegations, who will participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government meeting on October 15-16, the notification read.

Earlier, the interior ministry approved the deployment of paramilitary forces including rangers and Frontier Constabulary (FC) in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Attock ahead of the Pakitan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest at D-Chowk.

At least 30 protesters have been arrested as mobile networks and internet services remain suspended in Islamabad and Rawalpindi amid a planned PTI rally.

Over 4,000 Rawalpindi police officers and personnel have been deployed, along with separate anti-riot squads. Police have been supplied with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi today urged PTI to reconsider their protest plans citing the sensitive situation in Islamabad.

Speaking to the media, Naqvi expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to citizens due to heightened security measures.

SCO summit

The SCO meeting is scheduled to take place on October 15, 16 in Islamabad. Being a host, Pakistan has invited Indian PM Narendra Modi and other member states to visit Islamabad for the SCO meeting.

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will visit Pakistan later this month to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

“EAM Jaishankar will lead a delegation to Pakistan for the SCO summit which will be held in Islamabad on 15th and 16th October,” confirmed MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a press briefing on Friday.