In a recent development, the Pakistan Army troops have been called in the federal capital according to Article 245, Islamabad, to scrutinize the law-and-order situation ahead of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Islamabad on October 15 and October 16.
Following the prevailing situation, the Pakistan Army troops have arrived at D-Chowk and started patrolling across Islamabad and the suburbs to maintain law and order, as per Article 245 of the Constitution of Pakistan. However, it should be noted that the army troops will remain in the federal capital till October 17, pertaining to Article 245.
However, a notification has been released by the federal government which states that in the case of being threatened by hostile elements, the local command can also use force or fire some warning shots in order to stop the hostile act and to restore law and order. The conditions can be read in the notification below:
آئین کے آرٹیکل 245کے تحت مظاہرین کو منتشر کرنے کیلئے فوج کو فائرنگ کا بھی اختیار حاصل ہوگا، حالات کو دیکھتے ہوئے موقع پر موجود فورس کمانڈر اپنے اختیارات استعمال کرسکے گا مظاہرین کو منتشر کرنے کیلئے انتباہی فائرنگ بھی کی جاسکے گی، ضلعی مجسٹریٹ نے نوٹیفکیشن جاری کردیا۔ pic.twitter.com/01sWlBP0l9
— Harmeet Singh (@HarmeetSinghPk) October 5, 2024
A question arises whether the local command deployed in Islamabad allowed to use force against the citizens according to Article 245 or not. As per the reports, the constitution of Pakistan doesn’t allow the use of force, as the Article 245 states, “The Armed Forces shall, under the directions of the Federal Government, defend Pakistan against external aggression or threat of war, and, subject to law, act in aid of civil power when called upon to do so.”
آئین فوج/پولیس کو کہیں بھی فائرنگ کا اختیار نہیں دیتا، یہ ضلعی انتظامیہ کی اپنی کارستانی ہے۔ آئین میں کہیں بھی فائرنگ، گولی کا لفظ استعمال نہیں ہوا۔ آئین زندہ رہنے، آزادی سے نقل و حرکت، احتجاج، اکٹھ کا حق دیتا ہے۔ https://t.co/Xc3tscz4H3
— Ahmad Warraich (@ahmadwaraichh) October 5, 2024
Following the federal government orders, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) authorities have also imposed section 144 in the city, restricting any public gatherings and groupings in the city and the security measures have also been tightened. Rawalpindi Metro Bus Service has also been suspended under further notice and double-riding on motorcycles is also prohibited in the city and the suburbs.
Moreover, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has also advised its passengers to take safely and timely routes while coming to the Islamabad International Airport as all the flights have been operating as per the routine.
God is Great