Federal government invokes constitutional powers after Punjab request, days after attack near army headquarters.
Pakistan’s federal government has authorised the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army in the garrison city of Rawalpindi for a period of six months to assist civil authorities with sensitive security duties.
The decision, formalised through a Ministry of Interior notification, was taken under Article 245 of the Constitution at the request of the Punjab Home Department. The troops will operate under the district administration to help prevent any “undesirable situation” and respond effectively to unforeseen security challenges, with the deployment taking immediate effect.
Constitutional framework and official rationale:
Article 245 allows the federal government to call upon the armed forces to act in aid of civil power when required. The official order states that the three companies-roughly several hundred personnel-have been placed at the disposal of Rawalpindi’s district administration for law-and-order and security-related tasks.
The move follows a formal request from provincial authorities in Punjab, of which Rawalpindi is a key district. Officials have described the deployment as a precautionary measure to strengthen the capacity of local police and administration rather than a response to an immediate large-scale emergency.
Army Deployed in Rawalpindi for Six Months Amid Security Concerns:
The authorisation comes days after a security incident near the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. On 11 August, an armed individual opened fire on a military vehicle in the area, killing one soldier before being neutralised by security forces.
Rawalpindi, home to the Pakistan Army’s headquarters and a major military installation hub, has long been considered a high-security zone. The city and neighbouring Islamabad form the country’s administrative and military nerve centre, making any perceived threat particularly sensitive for authorities.
Similar deployments of army and paramilitary units have previously been ordered in the area during periods of heightened tension, religious processions such as Muharram, or political protests, though those have typically been shorter in duration.
The six-month timeframe is relatively extended compared with many past temporary deployments, signalling sustained concern over the security environment in and around the twin cities. Analysts note that the presence of regular army units in support of civil administration can help deter potential threats but also raises questions about the long-term reliance on military resources for internal security tasks.
No official details have been released on the specific locations within Rawalpindi where the companies will be stationed or the precise nature of their daily duties. The government has framed the step as a cooperative arrangement between federal and provincial authorities aimed at maintaining public order.
As the deployment begins, residents of the densely populated garrison city will see an increased military footprint alongside existing police and paramilitary presence. Authorities have not indicated whether further reinforcements are under consideration, describing the current measure as sufficient to meet the district administration’s requirements for the coming half-year.