ISLAMABAD: In the wake of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit scheduled for this month and several key visits, the federal government has in a preemptive step summoned army troops to Islamabad. The troops have been called in response to PTI’s planned demonstrations which have started creating fears about the law and order situation during all these important events.
An extreme measure of precaution taken by the government, the twin cities, especially close to D-Chowk, are under complete lock-down where PTI’s public protest will be staged; Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur told the media that he definitely will lead the protest, adding: “At any cost, I will reach D-Chowk.”
The Ministry of Interior issued a notification confirming that the army is deployed from 5th October to 17th October to assist the civil authorities in maintaining law and order. According to the notification, the government of Pakistan exercises authority under Article 245 of the Constitution of 1973 and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997. It asked for the deployment of the army to facilitate the smooth conduct of the 23rd meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government and facilitate visits by the dignitaries of the SCO member states.
Army units started taking over security responsibility in the capital after notification was issued. The troops now patrol at all strategic positions in Islamabad and around it. According to security sources, their major duties include patrolling key areas to safeguard citizens and public property. “These security measures are necessary to protect lives and property and to have peaceful circumstances during such a crucial time,” the official added.
PTI protests have picked up pace over the past few weeks. This has led to scuffles with the security forces. Security officials claim that such an approach to disrupt peace shall not be tolerated and, simultaneously’s presence of the army is essential to neutralizing any kind of unrest, and only then can the protests remain under control. “The presence of the army is necessary to neutralize any unrest and make sure that the protests remain in control,” the other security official added.
In this regard, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa army units have also been given for deployment here to reinforce security operations and to maintain law and order in Islamabad. It has been confirmed by a security official as it protects the public and maintains law and order at such times.
The situation forced quick but stern action from the government through Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who issued a stern warning to PTI protesters. He urged them to rethink their actions, pointing out that the Rangers and army had been called in to put an end to any unrest. “Protesters must think carefully before coming to the federal capital,” Naqvi warned, emphasizing that police forces are prepared to respond to provocations.
Meanwhile, with all these warnings, Chief Minister Gandapur has been consistent about his stance regarding the protests and is still claiming that the government must talk to the imprisoned leader of PTI, Imran Khan, to release him to put an end to the whole situation. “If the government wants to end PTI protests, they should speak to prisoner No. 804,” Gandapur said, referring to Khan’s incarceration at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. He again vowed to join PTI supporters on their way to D-Chowk.
The PTI protests are on calls for justice for the “illegal” imprisonment of Imran Khan coupled with frustration with the ECP’s failure to implement a Supreme Court ruling over reserved seats. The PTI leadership asserts these rallies are “saving the Constitution” and the rule of law of Pakistan.
This has resulted in the earlier government efforts to stop PTI rallies clashing with militant crackdowns of late, particularly in Rawalpindi and other areas. It has faced fierce resistance from law enforcement as its attempts to galvanize outside its traditional stronghold of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have resulted in lockdowns and heavy security deployments.
With the SCO summit and other visiting dignitaries set to land in Islamabad, the government would be ready to take a stern stand against any more attempts at disruption. The coming days would thus witness an unprecedented show of everybody – the government and PTI – digging their heels into the contentious landscape, raising important questions about the nature of political discourse in Pakistan during such heightened tensions.
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