ISLAMABAD: The federal government authorised the deployment of the army in Red Zone to “protect important government buildings”.
The decision comes after the situation turned chaotic after PTI Chairman Imran Khan and his convoy entered the federal capital and started marching towards the city’s D-Chowk. The protests took a violent turn as PTI workers clashed with law enforcement agencies.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah issued a notification saying the government has authorise the deployment”of the army in Red Zone under Article 245 of the Constitution.
Among the buildings that will be protected are the Supreme Court, Parliament House, Prime Minister House, Presidency, Pakistan Secretariat and Diplomatic enclaves,” the notification said.
The government eventually decided to seek the army’s help to control the situation and protect the government’s offices located in the Red Zone.
The Federal Government is pleased to authorize deployment of sufficient strength of troops of Pakistan Army in Red Zone under Article 245. pic.twitter.com/85Nex2xama
— Rana SanaUllah Khan (@PresPMLNPunjab) May 25, 2022
Islamabad Police warning
Islamabad Police issued a warning to the protesters and asked them to refrain from entering the Red Zone.
“Entry into the Red Zone will not be tolerated. All protesters and their leaders are requested to refrain from entering the said area in compliance with the orders of the court,” Islamabad Police tweeted.
Inspector-General Islamabad Police Dr Akbar Nasir Khan issued a statement and said that the police had been ordered not to use “unnecessary force” against the protesters.
“The police and other law enforcement agencies deployed in Islamabad are not carrying any weapons. But information has been received that some of the protesters are carrying weapons that could lead to the loss of precious lives. Therefore, all protesters are requested to keep the protest peaceful as it was a political process.”
