ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Thursday approved the deployment of the military countrywide to ensure security during the holy month of Muharram.
The authorities in Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu, and Kashmir had requested the deployment of the army to ensure peace.
Responding to their request, the Centre, under Article 245 of the Constitution, authorized the “deployment of army troops and civil armed forces troops” to control the law and order situation.
The holy month, which started today (July 20), marks the start of the new Islamic year 1445 AH, and Youm-e-Ashura will be observed on July 29 (Saturday).
According to a letter from the interior ministry, local authorities would determine the army’s exact troops, deployment date, and location.
In addition to deploying the army, local authorities and law enforcement agencies have taken strict security measures to avoid unwanted situations. Large gatherings and processions are held by believers throughout the nation throughout the holy month of Muharram, with the biggest processions occurring on the 10th and 9th of Muharram.
According to reports, the call came from provincial administrations as the nation’s law and order situation reportedly deteriorated due to increased terrorist activity in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pakistan has repeatedly raised the issue of terrorist safe havens in neighboring Afghanistan. It has reminded Taliban leaders of their commitments under the Doha agreement of not allowing their soil for militant activities.
Following the 258th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at GHQ, the military declared that “the sanctuaries and liberty of action available to the terrorists of proscribed TTP and other groups of that ilk in a neighboring country and availability of latest weapons to the terrorists were noted as major reasons impacting the security of Pakistan.”
