Army deployed in Rawalpindi, federal government issues notification on request of Punjab Home Department

Islamabad: The federal government has approved the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi for six months for sensitive security duties on the request of the Punjab Home Department. The Ministry of Interior issued a formal notification in this regard on August 21, 2026.

According to the notification, the deployment has been made under Article 245 of the Constitution. It said the federal government approved the deployment of three army companies in Rawalpindi on the request of the Punjab Home Department to prevent any untoward situation and to enable an effective response, in coordination with the district administration, in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

The notification said the deployment would take effect immediately and remain in force for six months. The army personnel will perform sensitive security duties in coordination with the district administration and assist the civil administration in maintaining law and order.

According to sources, the Punjab Home Department had approached the federal Ministry of Interior seeking the deployment of the army in Rawalpindi. The department had requested the deployment through a letter dated July 22, 2026, following which the federal government approved the request.

According to reports, the army personnel will assist the district administration in securing sensitive locations and important roads and provide support to the civil administration in dealing with any untoward or unforeseen situation. Some media reports have put the total strength of the three companies at more than 400 personnel; however, the official order specifically mentions the deployment of three companies.

Article 245 of the Constitution provides for the deployment of the armed forces in aid of civil power. Under the current arrangement, the Pakistan Army will assist the district administration, while administrative and legal responsibilities will remain with the civil administration.

The deployment comes at a time when security arrangements in Rawalpindi are already of particular importance. The city houses the General Headquarters and other important military installations. However, the Ministry of Interior notification does not identify any specific recent security threat, incident or potential danger as the reason for the deployment.

The government has also not so far specified why the army is required to remain deployed for six months or what particular security situation prompted the Punjab Home Department to seek military assistance from the federal government.

The Interior Ministry’s order states that the primary purpose of the deployment is to prevent any untoward situation, ensure an effective response to unforeseen circumstances and provide security assistance to the district administration as required.