The federal interior ministry has approved the deployment of army across Pakistan during Muharram to maintain peace and security.
The approval was given under Article 245 of the Constitution and in response to the requests from the provincial governments and administrative regions.
The Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Baluchistan, administrations of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad requested the placement of army to maintain law and order in their respective areas during the significant Moharram days. The Ministry approved the requests today. The decision underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens during this month and security and safety of those observing the religious congregations and gatherings.
According to the Ministry’s notification, army, Rangers, and FC troops will be deployed keeping in view the circumstances and conditions. Meanwhile, Home Department Sindh has prepared a road map for this deployment. Under the Anti-Terrorism Act, the army will be deployed in Sindh and other parts of the country to help the civil administration, the order said. The number of troops will be finalized as per requirement in mutual consultation of the parties concerned and the provincial home departments. The Punjab government requested the deployment of the Army and Rangers throughout the province during this month.
The Punjab Home Department requested the services of 160 companies of the Pak Army and Rangers. The 81 companies of the Rangers and 79 of the Army will provide security from 1 to 10th of Muharram. The Punjab government in relation to the security measures during this month is also imposing Section 144. across the province. The order will stand in effect from the 1st to the 10th of the – Moharram. The government has prohibited any new innovations in processions and gatherings. The display of all types of weapons and inflammable materials in public places is banned unless permission is granted by the authorities. This measure is intended to prevent any potential threats to public safety, the home department said.
It is important to note that Moharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, holds a large significance to Muslims, especially the 10th day, known as Ashura. The period is observed with various religious events, including large public gatherings, which necessitate enhanced security measures.
On Saturday, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee announced the moon for the month of Muharram was not sighted. Maulana Abdul Khabir Azad chairman of the Committee no credible evidence of the moon’s sighting was received from any part of the country. Consequently, the Islamic New Year will commence after the completion of the current lunar month. The 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, will be observed on July 17.
