ISLAMABAD – Pakistani government on Friday called in army in the capital city, Islamabad till October 17 to boost security ahead of Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting.
Armed forces, and paramilitary troops will remain in the metropolis to maintain order. A notification shared in this regard said Federal government, in exercise of the powers conferred under Article 245 of Constitution, 1973 and under Sections 4 & 5 of Anti-Terrorism Act. 1997, is pleased to authorize deployment of requisite strength of Pakistan Army in aid of civil power from 5th to 17th October, 2024 in Islamabad.
It mentioned the deployment in line with maintaining law and order situation with respect for meeting of SCO and visits of VVIP delegations for the meeting. The exact area of deployment alongwith additional number of troops. if reqsarement aria will be worked out by ICT Administration in consultation with stakeholders.
Earlier in the day, the interior minister raised questions at ongoing protests in capital, noting presence of Malaysia’s Prime Minister and other significant international delegations in Islamabad. He urged PTI to consider the broader implications of their planned protests, insisting that “any protest should not come at the cost of Pakistan.”
PTI Protests
Pakistani authorities suspended mobile internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi ahead of a planned protest by Imran Khan’s party, PTI. Police blocked entry points from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Rawalpindi, using containers to restrict access. This marks the second time in a month that the capital has been sealed off to prevent PTI supporters from entering.
PTI demands Khan’s release and advocates for judicial independence. Islamabad police have enforced Section 144, banning gatherings, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced the deployment of Rangers and the army to maintain order.
Despite warnings, thousands of Khan’s supporters are organizing car rallies toward Islamabad. New legislation bans protests in key areas, which PTI is challenging in court. From jail, Khan urged peaceful protests against proposed constitutional amendments, while seeking bail on multiple charges
