A day after the federal government announced the deployment of army troops in Islamabad to provide security for dignitaries attending the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, scheduled for October 15-16, the Punjab government has also called in the army for the Attock and Rawalpindi districts.
According to a notification issued by the provincial home department on Saturday, Punjab's Standing Cabinet Committee on Law and Order (SCCLO) requisitioned the deployment of Pakistan Army troops to assist civil authorities in maintaining law and order in the province.
The notification stated that the troops would be deployed around airbases, airports, routes, venues, and accommodations to maintain law and order and provide security to foreign delegates during the SCO meeting, "in conjunction with civil armed forces and police."
"The exact contours of the Armed Forces' deployment will be determined by the military commander on the ground in consultation with the police commander. The Armed Forces are authorized to take measures as warranted by the situation, including the use of firearms," it said.
Explaining the rules of engagement, the notification added that local commanders of the armed forces, civil armed forces, and law enforcement agencies may take preemptive measures if they receive information about any threat or if they are attacked or threatened by hostile elements, including mobs or rioters.
These measures include the physical deployment of armed forces, civil armed forces, and police; issuing warnings to demonstrators through appropriate means; displaying force, including the use of Riot Control Agents; and using minimum force as necessary, proportionate to the threat.
"However, no rule or legal procedure limits one's right to take appropriate action to defend oneself or the infrastructure/entities under their protection. Warning shots may be fired over the heads of hostile elements.
"Hostile fire must be returned effectively and promptly to stop hostile acts. In the absence of local police authorities, the Armed Forces are also authorized to detain any person who commits or threatens to commit a crime," the notification added.
Interestingly, the deployment of army troops in the federal capital and Punjab coincided with the PTI's protests in Islamabad and Lahoreprotests that brought life in both cities to a standstill.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Army troops have taken over security responsibilities in Islamabad and begun actively patrolling the federal capital. On October 4, the Ministry of Interior issued orders for the deployment of the Pakistan Army under Article 245 of the Constitution.
In the 26 Number Chungi area, military personnel are on high alert to respond to any emergency situation. Clear and unambiguous rules of engagement have also been provided to the troops.
According to sources, no miscreant will be allowed to disrupt peace and order.
The Ministry of Interior's deployment orders, issued under Article 245 of the Constitution, are not subject to challenge in any court. (WITH INPUT FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT IN ISLAMABAD)
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