Pakistan deploys 3 Army units in Rawalpindi for 'sensitive duties'
What's the story
The Pakistan government has deployed three companies of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi for six months on "sensitive security duties." The decision was taken after a request from the Punjab home department and is authorized under Article 245 of the Pakistani Constitution. However, no specific threats or reasons for this deployment have been disclosed by authorities. The notification states that this step has been taken "to avoid any undesirable situation as well as to respond effectively in any unforeseen situation."
Official notification
Munir granted sweeping new powers
The order came two days after Pakistan's National Assembly passed legislation expanding the authority of army chief Asim Munir.
Pakistan's new Defense Forces Act grants Chief of Defense Forces Munir sweeping powers over the armed forces, including the ability to retire, discharge, retain, or prolong personnel service.
He now oversees the Army, has operational control over the Navy and Air Force, and is the prime minister's top military adviser.
Security concerns
Rawalpindi is home to Pakistan Army's General Headquarters
The government said the deployment came after a request from the Punjab Home Department and was authorized under Article 245, which allows the armed forces to assist civilian authorities.
However, the timing has raised questions.
Rawalpindi is also where Adiala Jail is located, the prison housing former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
His party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Khan's party, has announced plans for a march to Islamabad on September 27.
Party response
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf denies connection with shooting incident
Rawalpindi is also home to the Pakistan Army's General Headquarters.
A man, who authorities say belonged to the PTI, had opened fire on a patrol close to the General Headquarters last week, wounding an officer.
He was killed in retaliatory firing.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had blamed PTI for the shooting.
However, PTI said it "unequivocally rejects all forms of violence....the premature attribution of responsibility to a political party...prior to the conclusion of proper investigation is wholly unacceptable."