RAWALPINDI: The federal government has approved the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi for six months under Article 245 of the Constitution, citing the need to prevent any undesirable situation and respond to unforeseen security challenges.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control, the deployment was authorised following a request from the Punjab Home Department. The troops will perform sensitive security duties in the district and assist the local administration when required.

The decision comes after an armed man was killed by security forces following an exchange of fire on Mall Road in Rawalpindi. A patrolling officer was injured in the incident, while authorities identified the attacker as Muhammad Hussain.

Security sources cited by Pakistan Television said the alleged attacker was from Khyber district and was an active member of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). Information Minister Attaullah Tarar subsequently criticised PTI, accusing it of promoting violence and unrest. PTI has faced growing political pressure amid ongoing tensions surrounding the imprisonment of party founder Imran Khan.

The deployment also comes ahead of a PTI-announced long march towards Islamabad scheduled for September 27. Opposition parties have reiterated their plans amid disputes over Imran Khan’s medical treatment and demands for the implementation of a Supreme Court order.