Pakistan Army troops have officially taken charge of security in Islamabad under Article 245 of the Constitution.
The Interior Ministry ordered the deployment, with police and other agencies supporting the army’s security duties. Troops have positioned themselves around the city, particularly in the D-Chowk area where PTI plans to protest on Saturday. Pakistan Army personnel have already started patrolling various parts of the capital to ensure the safety of residents.
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Security sources stated that no disruptive elements will be allowed to disturb the peace. Reinforcements from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) have also been sent to bolster security in and around Islamabad, especially in response to potential unrest from anarchist groups.
Heightened security measures have been put in place ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, scheduled for October 15-16. The government issued a notification stating that the Pakistan Army will remain deployed in the capital until October 17. Paramilitary Rangers will guard key government buildings and roads within the Red Zone.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has approved a comprehensive security plan to ensure the summit’s success, which will see participation from nine member countries, four observers, 14 dialogue partners, and four guest delegations.
