Army deployed in Islamabad with shoot-on-sight orders

Amid chaotic situation leading to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s protest at D Chowk, the government has deployed Pakistan Army in Islamabad with shoot-on-sight orders.

The deployment of Army was made under Article 245 of the Constitution to assist civil authorities in maintaining law and order amid escalating violence in the city.

The move comes after clashes between PTI supporters and security personnel on entry points of Islamabad resulting in deaths of four Rangers personnel.

The sources said orders have been issued to deal with anarchists and miscreants with an iron hand, with clear directives to shoot such elements on sight.

Meanwhile, protestors rammed a vehicle into Rangers personnel on the Srinagar Highway in Islamabad, resulting in the martyrdom of four Rangers officials.

Five others, including Rangers and police officials, sustained serious injuries.

Article 245(1) of the Constitution states that the armed forces shall, under the federal government’s directions, “defend Pakistan against external aggression or threat of war, and, subject to law, act in aid of civil power when called upon to do so”.

It further states that the validity of any direction issued by the government under clause (1) shall not be called in question in any court. A high court shall not exercise any jurisdiction under Article 199 in relation to any area in which the armed forces are acting in aid of civil power in pursuance of Article 245.

On Monday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had hinted at the possibility of imposing a curfew, deploying the army or “any third option” if they were compelled by the PTI workers resorting to violence in Islamabad.

“If we have to impose a curfew, resort to Section 245 (seeking the army’s assistance) or a third option, we will take it. This is why we’re saying in advance that we will take extreme steps if we have to,” Naqvi said.