Summary Army troops to be deployed under Article 245 in sensitive areas: Interior Ministry
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Interior Ministry has sought a requisition to legalize the deployment of troops under Article 254 of the constitution and has also issued a notice to the provinces whereas it also commented that provinces are free to call upon the army at any time for assistance under this provision of the constitution.
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.”
The interior ministry has sought a requisition letter from the provinces to legalize the deployment of troops.
Federal Interior Minister, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had announced army deployment in the federal capital for three months from August 1 under article 245 of the constitution.
Notification to implement Article 245 was issued on 24th of July 2014. According to the text of the notification, Chief Commissioner Islamabad had requested the federal government for Army deployment to aid Islamabad’s security.
Army will be given powers under the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, which are will be equal to the powers of a Police Officer. Army officers will have the authority to take action against a suspect after issuing one warning and the authority to search any building without a search warrant, in accordance with the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.
According to sources, the post states that the deployment of troops will be in major installations and sensitive areas, adding that those provinces which refuse to obtain army’s assistance would be responsible for their respective security measures themselves.
