Army Deployment in Islamabad Under Article 245 Amid Rising Tensions

The deployment of the Pakistan Army in Islamabad under Article 245 of the Constitution has raised concerns about the growing political unrest in the capital. This step follows escalating violence during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests, which have resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The government has invoked Article 245 to assist civil authorities in maintaining order and protecting public property.

Background on Article 245 Deployment

Article 245 grants the military authority to act in support of civil institutions to preserve public order. Recent government notifications have enabled the military to take measures such as imposing curfews and using necessary force against agitators. Military personnel are coordinating with local police to ensure effective law enforcement, with powers to detain miscreants and prevent disruptions to public safety​​

Current Unrest and Protests

The unrest escalated following the PTI’s announcement of a mass demonstration led by key leaders, including Bushra Bibi. Demonstrators are demanding the release of jailed PTI leader Imran Khan and pressing for political reforms. Protests at key locations, such as D-Chowk, have seen confrontations with law enforcement. Security measures include roadblocks with shipping containers, checkpoints, and heavy police presence to prevent the march from reaching sensitive areas​​

A significant incident on the Srinagar Highway saw a vehicle, allegedly driven by protesters, ram into security personnel, killing four Rangers and injuring others. Such incidents highlight the growing volatility of the protests​

Military’s Role and Public Safety Measures

The deployment includes patrolling strategic zones like the Red Zone and G-10 to ensure the security of public spaces. The army’s presence complements that of the Rangers and Frontier Constabulary, focusing on crowd control and conflict de-escalation. Officials have warned of strict action against any attempt to breach the peace, including shoot-on-sight directives for violent agitators​​

Political and Civil Reactions

While the government has justified military deployment as necessary for maintaining law and order, civil rights groups and political parties have expressed concerns over the militarization of civilian spaces. The opposition has criticized these measures, calling for dialogue and de-escalation of tensions