The Punjab government has called the army to address the province’s escalating law and order issues due to protests of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
The government has issued a notification for deploying army personnel in critical areas such as airports, key roads, and routes to ensure the security of foreign dignitaries and their accommodations.
Special powers have been granted to the military, including the authority to arrest lawbreakers and employ aerial firing to warn offenders. Additionally, the army has been endowed with anti-riot capabilities to uphold peace and order.
Previously, under Article 245 of the Constitution, the Ministry of Interior authorized military deployment to assist civil authorities from October 5 to October 17, 2024, in Islamabad. This action was in preparation for the 23rd Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Council of Heads of Government meeting and the attendance of significant delegations.
The military has comprehensive policing powers to manage tense situations, collaborating closely with federal police. Authorities are empowered to detain troublemakers, use baton charges, and deploy tear gas against protestors, utilizing minimal force as outlined in government directives.
It is critical to mention that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has planned a protest in Lahore today, prompting the Punjab government to seal off Minar-e-Pakistan. Security measures include placing containers on all access routes and detaining over 600 PTI workers to thwart the demonstration.
More than 10,000 security personnel have been stationed in Lahore to secure the area further, and the metro bus service has been partially suspended.
