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In response to rising security concerns during Muharram, the federal government has approved the deployment of the Pakistan Army to assist civil institutions in maintaining law and order across the country.
A notification issued by the Ministry of Interior confirms the deployment under Article 245 of the Constitution. The army will be stationed in all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the federal capital, Islamabad.
The army’s role will include patrolling sensitive areas, supporting local police forces, and monitoring security arrangements to ensure peace during the sacred month. This deployment aims to prevent sectarian tensions and any acts of terrorism.
The provincial governments of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan had earlier requested army support to strengthen their security plans for Muharram.
READ: Signal jammers approved to prevent threats during Muharram
To further control the situation, the Punjab government has announced Section 144 will be enforced from the 1st to the 10th of Muharram. This prohibits unlawful gatherings and imposes seven types of restrictions across the province.
One key restriction is the ban on pillion riding, which will be in effect on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. Other restrictions will continue throughout the 10-day period.
Law enforcement agencies are also intensifying surveillance at religious gatherings, processions, and entry points of cities. Special instructions have been issued to monitor social media and prevent hate speech or the spread of misinformation.
The Ministry of Interior has urged the public to cooperate with authorities and follow security advisories. The government stressed that collective responsibility and unity are crucial to maintaining peace and religious harmony during Muharram.
The deployment is part of a larger coordinated effort involving federal and provincial institutions to ensure that the month passes safely and respectfully, without incident or unrest.
