ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved the deployment of Pakistan Army and Civil Armed Forces across the country to ensure foolproof security during Muharram.
According to Dawn News, the federal government had earlier decided to deploy military troops in the provinces during the month of Muharram. The Ministry of Interior had sent a summary to the federal cabinet for approval, which has now been granted, and a formal notification has also been issued.
Following the cabinet’s approval, official orders have been issued for the deployment of the Pakistan Army and Civil Armed Forces to perform security duties throughout Muharram.
The deployment of the Army will be under Article 245 of the Constitution, while the Civil Armed Forces will be deployed under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.
The decision was made after requests for security assistance were received from all four provincial governments, as well as from the administrations of Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Islamabad.
The Army and Civil Armed Forces will work in coordination with provincial governments and local administrations to maintain peace and security during Muharram-related events.
In addition to the deployment of troops, the federal government has decided to take all necessary administrative steps to ensure peace during Muharram. Special focus is being placed on countering hate speech and sectarian content on social media platforms.
A high-level meeting on Muharram security was recently chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Islamabad. The meeting reviewed security plans of all regions in detail.
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It was decided that strict action will be taken against individuals spreading religious hatred online. PEMRA will be given clear guidelines to prevent the spread of hate content through electronic and social media.
The government also discussed the possibility of temporary suspension of mobile and internet services in sensitive areas. Any such decision will be made in consultation with provincial authorities and based on ground realities and security threats.
Interior Minister Naqvi emphasized that all measures will be taken through mutual coordination and that the federal government will fully support provinces and regions in maintaining peace. He also warned that no one will be allowed to incite violence or create unrest.
