The federal govt has approved the deployment of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi for six months to maintain law and order and assist the district administration with security arrangements.
According to the notification issued, three companies of the Pakistan Army will be deployed in Rawalpindi under Article 245 of the Constitution.
The Army will assist the district administration and perform duties in coordination with relevant institutions to maintain security and law and order.
Federal Government Approves Deployment, Notification Issued
The federal government has formally approved the deployment of the Army in Rawalpindi, following which the relevant authorities issued a notification.
According to the notification, the Army will be deployed in Rawalpindi for six months, with three companies carrying out security duties in the city.
The primary purpose of the deployment is to assist the district administration and civilian institutions in maintaining law and order.
Decision Taken on Punjab Government’s Request
According to the notification, the request for Army deployment in Rawalpindi was made by the Punjab Home Department, after which the matter was presented to the federal government.
Following federal approval, the Army is now being formally deployed in Rawalpindi. The move indicates that the provincial government and district administration considered additional personnel and institutional support necessary given the current security situation.
Army Deployed Under Article 245
The notification clarifies that the Army deployment in Rawalpindi has been carried out under Article 245 of the Constitution.
Under Article 245, the armed forces can be called upon by the federal government not only for the defence of the country but, in specific circumstances, to assist the civil administration.
In the past, the Army has also been deployed in various cities and areas to assist civilian authorities during law-and-order situations, major national events, sensitive security situations and other extraordinary circumstances.
Army to Assist District Administration
This means the Army has not been deployed as a complete replacement for the civil administration but as part of the security framework to assist civilian institutions.
In practice, military personnel may perform security duties at sensitive locations, key installations, important government buildings and other locations as required. However, specific deployments and operational responsibilities will be determined by the relevant security authorities.
Rawalpindi Already a Major Security Centre
Rawalpindi is considered one of the country’s most sensitive cities. It is home to important military, government and defence installations and is also geographically connected to Islamabad.
Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters is located in Rawalpindi, giving the city a different security profile from ordinary cities.
In recent years, enhanced security arrangements have been made in the city during major religious gatherings, Muharram, political activities and other sensitive occasions.
In August 2026, thousands of security personnel were also deployed in Rawalpindi during important religious gatherings, while the Army and other law-enforcement agencies have assisted the civil administration during sensitive situations in the past.
Important Development Amid Security Concerns
The decision to deploy the Army in Rawalpindi for six months comes at a time when the country is facing several security challenges.
In February this year, police and relevant institutions in Rawalpindi were also placed on high alert amid border and broader security concerns, while security at sensitive locations was strengthened alongside search and combing operations.
Against this broader security backdrop, the temporary six-month Army deployment in Rawalpindi can be viewed as an additional security measure.
What Does the Deployment of Three Companies Mean?
In military terminology, a company is generally an organized military unit, although its strength and structure can vary depending on the type of unit. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to state a precise number of personnel based solely on the deployment of three companies unless the government officially specifies the strength.
The key point is that the government has arranged limited but relatively long-term security assistance for Rawalpindi. The six-month period indicates that the deployment is not limited to a single day or short-term event.
Also Read: PTI files contempt petition in SC over founder’s hospital transfer
