Terror threats: Interior ministry implements Article 245 in Islamabad

The impression that Army will take over security of the capital is wrong, says information minister.


Fawad Ali/web Desk July 25, 2014
Terror threats: Interior ministry implements Article 245 in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The interior ministry on Friday implemented Article 245 of the constitution in Islamabad, Express News reported.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had decided in principle on July 4 to approve the deployment of the armed forces in aid of the civil administration to enhance security at sensitive installations across the country under Article 245 of the Constitution. He had taken this decision after consulting his close aides during a high-level meeting.

Today, the interior ministry – acting on reliable information about possible terrorist attacks - announced the implementation of the constitutional clause in the capital. This will give army control over Islamabad's law and order situation for three months.

Article 245

The article which deals with the functions of the armed forces states:

(1) The armed forces shall, under the directions of the federal government, defend Pakistan against external aggression or threat of war, and, subject to law, act in aid of civil power when called upon to do so.

(2) The validity of any direction issued by the federal government under Clause (1) shall not be called into question in any court.

(3) A high court shall not exercise any jurisdiction under Article 199 in relation to any area in which the armed forces of Pakistan are, for the time being, acting in aid of civil power in pursuance of Article 245: Provided that this clause shall not be deemed to affect the jurisdiction of the high court in respect of any proceeding pending immediately before the day on which the armed forces start acting in aid of civil power.

(4) Any proceedings in relation to an area referred to in Clause (3) instituted on or after the day the armed forces start acting in aid of civil power and pending in any high court shall remain suspended for the period during which the armed forces are so acting.

PTI rally

Furthermore, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar has said that the decision as to whether to allow Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to hold their rally in Islamabad will be taken after they file a permission letter.

Army not taking over security of Capital

Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid in a statement said the impression that Army will take over security of the capital is wrong.

“The decision was taken to provide constitutional cover to earlier responsibilities given to army troops of securing sensitive installations in wake of operation Zarb-e-Azb,” he said. The minister added that these responsibilities were given to deal only with terrorists and anti-state elements and not to hurdle or stop any political activity.

COMMENTS (37)

ishrat salim | 10 years ago | Reply

Karachi, Quetta & KP need Army under 245 not Islamabad....whenever during PPP rule, demand for Army was put forward by MQM especially, it was rejected by all including PML N...why ? why today ? it means the govt has failed to protect the capital ? I am not a fan of PPP but it handled Dr TuQ rally in Dec 2014 very well without the help of Army...it must be appreciated that they are more politically matured to handle problems than PML N.

passive voices | 10 years ago | Reply

Political analysts are skeptical about the latest move of beleaguered Sharif government because currently the relations between all-powerful army and the civilian government are tense for a number of reasons with popular sentiments with the army and against the government for failed governance. Nawaz Sharif is desperately trying to mend fences with the establishment by enlisting support of foreign powers like Saudi Arabia, the US and UK. Analysts are fearful that the present civilian dispensation is totally incapable to lead the country in trying times and the the country is heading towards another military takeover.

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