The federal government has extended the stay of Pakistan Army in federal capital for three months in aid of civil law enforcement agencies. 

An official source said that following a request by Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Ministry of Interior has issued a notification regarding extension in the stay of Army under Article 245 of Constitution to further extend the deployment of 350 troops of Pakistan army.

He said the powers of the Army have been extended from September 3, 2016 to December 3, 2016. According to the notification, 'Minister of Interior extended the deployment of 350 troops of Pakistan army to act in aid of civil power subject to laws in force in Pakistan at Islamabad for a period of 90 days'.

Sources said the government had already extended the stay of 1,500 Rangers and 350 Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts' personnel for three months in the city.

Officials said that 600 personnel of Frontier Constabulary (FC) arrived in Islamabad as the capital police have geared up to block city's all entry and exit points ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) November 2 protest.

He said a contingent of Punjab police will also reach Islamabad in a day or two. They city police has also started conducing raids in hotels and restaurants for the arrest of PTI workers, he said.

He further said that Islamabad police have written a letter to Ministry of Interior to approach the governments of Punjab and Sindh to provide logistic support to special duties at Islamabad on November 2.

It has sought 20 prison vans and 10 armoured personnel carrier (APCs) from Punjab provincial government during protest of PTI while Sindh government has been requested to provide 20 prison vans and 10 APCs.

-Business Recorder