The caretaker Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa governments have sent summaries for the deployment of the Pakistan army in both provinces amid the prevailing law and order situation in the country. The Federal Cabinet has also sent a summary for army to be deployed in Islamabad.

This move coincided with a massive mob attack on Radio Pakistan in Peshawar and clashes between PTI protesters and the police in Islamabad.

In Karachi, dozens of protesters were arrested near Millennium Mall.

The Ministry of Interior has approved the Punjab government’s request for assistance by sanctioning ten companies of troops, saying: “The army would be working alongside district administration to restore law, order and peace”.

“Pursuant to the request made by the Home Department Government of Punjab, vide their letter No.SO(IS-II)3-15/2023 (Security) (1) Dated 9 May 2023, the federal government in excise of powers conferred under article 245 of the constitution and Section 4 (3) (ii) of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, (to discharge such functions as specified in the said act), is pleased to authorise the deployment of Pakistan Army troops/assets for maintaining law and order situations across the Punjab province in aid of civil power,” read the order issued by the Federal Ministry of Interior.

Sources said that they will be deployed in Lahore, Multan, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and other districts.

Moreover, the KP government has also sent a summary to the ministry seeking the deployment of the army in the province.

“I am directed to refer to the above-noted subject and to state that in view of prevailing law and order circumstances and for the safety of life and property of citizens as well as security of government installations, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is placing a request for requisition of Armed Forces in aid of civil power under Article 245 of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” read the letter from the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Home and Tribal Affairs Department.

It is worth mentioning here that PTI supporters staged violent protests against the arrest of Imran Khan. The situation, especially in Lahore, went out of hand when protestors set four police vehicles on fire near the corp commander house.

Reports said that Section 144 has been imposed across the province.

Shanghai bridge on Ferozepur road was blocked by PTI supporters while a group of lawyers blocked GPO Chowk and chanted slogans.

A tense standoff between protestors and police led to stone pelting near Mall Road by PTI supporters. Police responded with baton charge and water cannons.

No need to call the army in Islamabad

Inspector General of Islamabad Police Nasir Akhar had originally said that there was no need to call the Pakistan Army in the federal capital as the police and FC have law and order under control.

Apart from a couple of places, the law and order situation is under control, IG Islamabad Nasir Akbar said while speaking to the media. “Seven of our people have been injured so far.”

“We are trying our best to bring the situation back to normal,” he said. Nasir Akbar. “We are trying not to affect any traffic.”

However, the Federal cabinet meeting changed things when it moved a summary for the army to be deployed in the capital as well. The cabinet also ratified the decision made to summon army in Punjab and KP.