Punjab Government Requests Six-Month Army Presence in Sensitive City

Islamabad, August 22 – Under the authority granted by constitutional Article 245, the federal Home Ministry approved a six‑month deployment of three army companies to Rawalpindi. The order, dated August 21, fulfills a formal request from the Punjab Home Department for "sensitive security operations" in the city.

The government states the deployment is intended to avert any undesirable situation and to enable rapid response should the district administration encounter an unforeseen event. While the Home Ministry frames the action as a precautionary security step, critics suggest a political motive linked to rising PTI activities.

The decision follows a violent episode on August 11, when an armed man allegedly linked to a political organization opened fire on security forces along Mall Road, injuring a police officer. The suspect, Muhammad Hussain, was killed during the confrontation. Pakistan Television (PTV) reported that the attacker hailed from Khairpur district and was an active PTI member.

In parallel, PTI declared a long march scheduled for September 27, demanding the release of its founder Imran Khan, restoration of democratic governance, and measures to alleviate inflation. The announcement has heightened concerns among security officials, prompting the army's extended presence in the strategically vital city.