Deployment of Pakistan Army in the federal capital has been extended on Wednesday by as many as 90 days. The district administration has issued an official notification in the matter.
Army soldiers have been deployed in Islamabad for security purposes. At least 350 soldiers are performing duties in the federal capital.
The administration had written a letter to Lecta urging for extension in stay after the period expired. Extension was sought for security reasons including Muharram processions. The soldiers will remain standby and alert to counter any subversive activity.
The development has also come in regard to Interior Ministry’s decision of handing over security maintenance to army during Muharram. Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan chaired a meeting earlier to review security situation and take a decision in the matter.
According to the ministry, at least 12,000 army personnel will be deployed across the country.
The army will take care of highly-sensitive areas in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Gujranwala, Jhang, Chakwal, Dera Ismail (DI) Khan, Kohat, Hangu, Bannu and Quetta.
It should be mentioned here that DI Khan is among four district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) that have been declared extremely sensitive and are most vulnerable to terror attacks during Muharram.
