The Interior Ministry has sanctioned the deployment of the Pakistan Army across Pakistan during Muharram to maintain peace and security, responding to requests from provincial governments and administrative regions. This deployment, authorized under Article 245 of the Constitution, aims to ensure safety during the significant religious period marked by processions and gatherings.
Various provinces including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad sought military assistance to manage law and order effectively. An official notification from the Interior Ministry confirmed the nationwide deployment of army troops, highlighting the government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens during Muharram.
Earlier, the Sindh government had approached military authorities for army deployment, aligned with preparations outlined in the Anti-Terrorism Act to support civil administration. Similarly, the Punjab government requested the deployment of 160 companies of Pakistan Army and Rangers across districts to ensure security from the 1st to the 10th of Muharram. Concurrently, Section 144 has been enforced across Punjab, prohibiting new innovations in processions and restricting public display of weapons without appropriate permission.
The deployment strategy involves close consultation between relevant parties and home departments to address specific security concerns. This proactive approach aims to preempt potential threats and maintain public safety during Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, culminating with Ashura on July 17, observed with solemn religious events nationwide.
The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee recently confirmed that the moon for Muharram was not sighted, thereby scheduling Ashura for July 17. This decision underscores the importance of coordinated security measures to ensure peaceful observance of religious practices across Pakistan.