New Delhi: Two days after a new defence act gave Asim Munir sweeping powers over military and national security, Pakistan’s Field Marshal has moved to reinforce security in Rawalpindi, home to the military’s General Headquarters amid concerns of a potential uprising or backlash.
The federal government Saturday authorised the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi for six months, officially citing “sensitive security duties” and the need to prevent an “undesirable situation” and respond to “unforeseen threats.”
Pakistan’s new Defence Forces Act gives Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir sweeping authority over the armed forces, including the power to retire, discharge, retain or extend the service of personnel. He now commands the Army, exercises operational authority over the Navy and Air Force, and serves as the prime minister’s senior military adviser on defence and national security.
The order, issued by the Interior Ministry on 21 August came two days after Pakistan’s National Assembly passed legislation expanding the authority of the army chief.
The government said the deployment followed a request from the Punjab Home Department and was authorised under Article 245 of the Constitution, which allows the armed forces to assist civilian authorities.
“Pursuant to the request made by the Punjab Home Department…” the order said, the government authorised three army companies for “sensitive security duties” in Rawalpindi for six months, with immediate effect.
But the timing has raised questions about whether the deployment is aimed at protecting more than public infrastructure.
Rawalpindi is also where Adiala Jail is located, the prison holding former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Khan’s party, has announced plans for a march to Islamabad on 27 September. Khan was taken back to jail despite SC orders to keep him at Shifa International hospital for treatment until 16 Setember—the next date of his hearing.
Some Pakistani analysts have interpreted the deployment as a sign that the military leadership is concerned about the possibility of dissent within the armed forces.
Mirza Shahzad Akbar, the former accountability minister in Khan’s government, questioned the decision on X, writing: “Rawalpindi district handed over to the army for six months, reason unknown! Is someone suffering from personal fear?”
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
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