Pakistan Army called in to provide security for upcoming SCO Summit, scheduled to take place in Islamabad on 15-16 October

ISLAMABAD, Oct 04 (SABAH): The Pakistan Army has been called in to provide security for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, scheduled to take place in Islamabad on 15-16 October. Interior Ministry has issued formal notification for deployment of Pakistan Army from 5th to 17th October in Islamabad. The deployment of Pakistan Army in the federal capital has been made after the approval of Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The deployment was approved under Article 245 of the Constitution.

According to the notification: Pursuant to the request made by the Office of the Chief Commissioner, ICT vide their letter No.1-3/Home/2024 dated 01-10-2024, the Federal Government, in exercise of the powers conferred under Article 245 of the Constitution, 1973, and under Sections 4&5 of Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, is pleased to authorize deployment of requisite strength of Pakistan Army in aid of civil power from 5th to 17th October, 2024, in ICT, for maintaining law and order situation with respect to 23rd meeting of SCO Council of Heads of Government and visits of VVIP delegations for the said meeting.

The notification further states that the exact area of deployment along with additional number of troops, if requirement arises, will be worked out by ICT Administration in consolidation with concerned stakeholders.

The notification has been issued with the signatures of Section Officer (CAF) Dr. G.M. Mahmoodi. The copy of the notification has been sent to concerned officials including, The Secretary to the Prime Minister, P.M’s Office, Islamabad, The Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Rawalpindi, The Secretary, Cabinet Division, Islamabad, The Military Operations Directorate, GHQ, Rawalpindi, The Chief Commissioner ICT, Islamabad and others.