The Interior Ministry has authorized the Pakistan Army’s deployment nationwide during Muharram to ensure peace and security. This decision, sanctioned under Article 245 of the Constitution, follows requests from provincial governments and administrative regions.
Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad had all sought army deployment to maintain law and order during the significant religious period. An Interior Ministry notification confirmed the deployment, emphasizing the government’s commitment to citizen safety during Muharram, characterized by processions and religious gatherings.
Earlier, the Sindh government contacted military authorities for provincial deployment during the holy month. The Interior Ministry’s notification specified the deployment of army, Rangers, and FC troops based on ground conditions and under Anti-Terrorism Act provisions.
Similarly, the Punjab government requested army and Rangers deployment across the province for Muharram security. The request included 160 companies of security forces to manage potential security threats from the 1st to the 10th of Muharram.
To ensure security measures, Punjab announced Section 144 implementation statewide during Muharram, prohibiting new innovations in processions and the display of weapons without prior permission, aimed at safeguarding public safety.
Muharram, significant in the Islamic calendar, especially on the 10th day (Ashura), involves large public gatherings necessitating enhanced security measures. Following the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee’s announcement, Ashura will be observed on Wednesday, July 17.
