Pak deploys 3 Army units in Rawalpindi for six-month 'sensitive security duties'

The deployment will help Rawalpindi authorities handle 'undesirable situations' and respond effectively to unforeseen security circumstances.The decision was taken under Article 245, which provides for the deployment of the armed forces in aid of civil power. (File Photo: Reuters)Pakistan has authorised the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi for six months to undertake "sensitive security duties", according to an official order issued by the country’s Interior Ministry. However, the government has not specified the nature of the threat or security concern that prompted the deployment.The order, dated August 21, 2026, was issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control under Article 245 of the Constitution.It followed a request from the Home Department of the Punjab government, based on a letter dated July 22, 2026. The authorisation has been granted with immediate effect and will remain in force for six months.According to the order, the deployment has been approved to enable the Army to assist the Rawalpindi district administration in dealing with any "undesirable situation" and responding effectively to unforeseen circumstances. The document, addressed to senior federal and Punjab officials as well as the military authorities, does not identify any specific incident, threat or potential security challenge necessitating the move.Pakistani media outlet Dawn reported that the troops would be deployed for sensitive security-related responsibilities in the city. The report noted that the decision was taken under Article 245, which provides for the deployment of the armed forces in aid of civil power.ARY News, meanwhile, reported that the Army would assist the civil administration in maintaining security during the deployment period.Neither the official notification nor the reports provided details about the precise duties to be assigned to the three companies.The deployment comes amid the government’s stated need to prepare for unforeseen security situations in Rawalpindi.For now, the six-month authorisation provides the military with a formal role in supporting the district administration, while the specific circumstances behind the request remain undisclosed.Further details could emerge subject to the authorities clarifying the security assessment or operational requirements that led to the deployment.- EndsPublished On: Aug 22, 2026 16:11 IST