Army to maintain Islamabad law and order for three months: Nisar

E-Paper | March 02, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Friday announced the government's decision to call in the military to take control of Islamabad from August 1 for a period of three months.

Speaking to media representatives, Nisar said that the Interior Ministry under Article 245 of the Constitution has sought the army's services for maintaining law and order in the federal capital for a period of three months.

Responding to a question, he said the leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) had not given a formal application to the capital administration for holding any rallies in Islamabad.

Nisar said the decision to allow the rally would be taken only after the PTI leadership requests the government in this regard.

The federal interior minister added that the decision would be taken by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif upon his return from Saudi Arabia.

Parliament Watch: As threats loom, Sharif charms his way back into GHQ

Earlier, sources had said that the government was mulling over invoking Article 245 of the Constitution to summon the army in all major cities of the country.

Sources had added that the ongoing military operation in North Waziristan was also being carried out under Article 245 of the Constitution.

Given below are details of Article 245 of the Constitution which pertains to the functions Pakistan's Armed forces, taken from the National Assembly website:

(1) The Armed Forces shall, under the directions of the Federal Government, defend Pakistan against external aggression or threat of war, and, subject to law, act in aid of civil power when called upon to do so.

(2) The validity of any direction issued by the Federal Government under clause (1) shall not be called in question in any court.

(3) A High Court shall not exercise any jurisdiction under Article 199 in relation to any area in which the Armed Forces of Pakistan are, for the time being, acting in aid of civil power in pursuance of Article 245: Provided that this clause shall not be deemed to affect the jurisdiction of the High Court in respect of any proceeding pending immediately before the day on which the Armed Forces start acting in aid of civil power.

(4) Any proceeding in relation to an area referred to in clause (3) instituted on or after the day the Armed Forces start acting in aid of civil power and pending in any High Court shall remain suspended for the period during which the Armed Forces are so acting.

Pakistan

$60bn Indian plan for river storage raises alarm

‘Combat-related deaths jump 30pc amid wave of suicide attacks’: says PICSS

10 dead in Karachi, 2 in Islamabad as protests erupt countrywide following Iran supreme leader’s assassination

Ganga Din

Jul 25, 2014 03:48pm

It feels like it'll be for rest of your life, don't count on time limits. You started it.

Recommend 0

fida sayani

Jul 25, 2014 03:50pm

The interior Minister confirms through his statement that Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a failed state.

Recommend 0

petrolhead

Jul 25, 2014 03:51pm

Pulling Army into politics and then they say Army breaches its remit.

Recommend 0

Lahore wala

Jul 25, 2014 03:55pm

Not to worry Nisar. The Cricketer will have his march. Qadri will have his march. The Chaudhry Brothers are there too. Ask Nawaz to come back. Hiding in Sauia will not help.

Recommend 0

Pervez

Jul 25, 2014 03:58pm

A good move by govt. for restricting the people who want to create disturbances in war like situation on western border of country . Peaceful agitation can be carried at any other time after Zarb-e- hazb operation is over.

Recommend 0

Sab Se Pehle Pakistan

Jul 25, 2014 04:06pm

What is this? How much more Army will do. They are already fighting a war. If you cannot run the country then let the Army take over. They have done and will do a great job in running this country.

Recommend 0

syedz

Jul 25, 2014 04:06pm

Depoliticize police and other institutions so that they may stand on their feet. Strengthen the other institutions also and make them autonomous. NEPRA, PEMRA, WAPDA, NADRA, ECP, PIA, etc., all are looking for help. Please depoliticize them. Politician should be restricted to legislation only.

Recommend 0

zafar

Jul 25, 2014 04:08pm

@Pervez Yes, PTI is looking for your advice as to when and how to proceed with its protests.

Recommend 0

zafar

Jul 25, 2014 04:10pm

And then you complain about the Army interference. This is ill timed especially when the Army is engaged in active war on one front. Better make up your mind if you can handle the affairs of the state or you need the Army for that as well.

Recommend 0

THE

Jul 25, 2014 04:13pm

Nawaz knows he cannot survive without Army's support.

Recommend 0

Anon

Jul 25, 2014 04:24pm

So this is how PMLN want to "strengthen democracy"... but calling in the army to suppress dissent!

Recommend 0

Mashiqkhan

Jul 25, 2014 04:40pm

Repeating mistake of ZAB when he invoked 245 for Karachi and Lahore. Engineered democracy has shattered the confidence of voters. It's time to verify thumb impressions, complete audit of all votes.

Recommend 0

Arif Aslam Khan

Jul 25, 2014 04:42pm

Dear Ch.Nisar Sb, don't forget that the Army belongs to Pakistan and it will protect Pakistan's interest not the Nawaz League's interest. Asking for permission by PTI from the present Rigged Govt is out of question,we all know it won't be awarded by the scared PM, and by any means the Army will not stop peaceful protesters who will be coming to Islamabad for New Pakistan.Peaceful change is always created by "defiance" not "obedience" to those who have corrupted the system.Now that you are calling in the Army you are to be blamed if they take over the whole Country for the benefit of our beloved Pakistan they will be justified,you have miserably failed to govern the Country and have rather put it into further problems & burdening our economy by taking massive loans,just wait & see what happens on the 14th August,PANAFORCE Zindabad,Pakistan Paindabad.The Nation will see a new Dawn soon by the grace of ALLAH the Almighty.

Recommend 0

Malveros

Jul 25, 2014 05:11pm

Miscreants from PTI and PAT who resort to mischief and violence on that day should be dealt with accordingly. If they remain sane then they should be allowed to protest. It's a democratic right. Tsunami will fizzle out as usual.

Recommend 0

AJamal

Jul 25, 2014 05:26pm

Acknowledging his own failure. Federal Interior Minister is unable to manage law and order of a tiny city like Islamabad.

Recommend 0

Shah

Jul 25, 2014 05:27pm

The civilian government can not even protect it self how will it protect the people. Then these NRO politicians complain that army is involved in domestic issues. Let the army do their job fighting on the borders and let the police or special units take care of the internal security.

Recommend 0

KAlam

Jul 25, 2014 05:27pm

why only Islamabad, there is more chaos in Karachi, Quetta, and other parts of the country?

Recommend 0

Aaliyah

Jul 25, 2014 05:32pm

3 months will turn into 3 years. 3 years will turn into 30 years. Just look at Karachi.

Recommend 0

I. Ahmed

Jul 25, 2014 05:33pm

Democracy is the best revenge and actions of PML-N government is proof that 'bad democracy is similar to dictatorship'! I so wish this lot is removed before the rot of senseless governance plunges the country into a civil war.

Recommend 0

Itsqashi

Jul 25, 2014 06:08pm

Govt have to do it because of bad tactics of PTI which threatening like a spoiled boy.

Recommend 0

PINKY

Jul 25, 2014 06:15pm

PTI VS ARMY

Recommend 0

Ali

Jul 25, 2014 06:25pm

LOL!! Law and order situation in Karachi demands army action. They took months to seek Army services for Waziristan operation. They think alot before seeking army action, as they have been biten twice by army. They are trying an ex-general for interfering in politics. Salute to Zardari.. he know how to do things!!!

Recommend 0

salman

Jul 25, 2014 06:37pm

When you let the fox into the henhouse, don't cry later when hens are slaughtered.

Recommend 0

Lucky Star

Jul 25, 2014 07:32pm

@fida sayani Pakistan is not a failed state but IK is definitely a failed poitician.

Recommend 0

Shah, Canada

Jul 25, 2014 07:54pm

Now PML N hiding behind army. Then you blame army for take over. Army was most required in Karachi where it was not called.

Recommend 0

Concerned

Jul 25, 2014 07:56pm

On this basis lets call the army out in Khi. We need it more.

Recommend 0

shoukat

Jul 25, 2014 08:04pm

hmmm....democratically elected gov calling on army because gov is too incompetent...and when army takes over these politicians start shouting DEMOCRACY...DEMOCRACY.....

Recommend 0

Imtiaz Haider Gaderi

Jul 25, 2014 08:24pm

Enters "THE ARMY"

Recommend 0

Javed

Jul 25, 2014 08:24pm

If interior ministry cannot defend the capital on their own, they have right to govern. You handed over Islamabad to Army for three months. Why don't you also vacate the PM house and let Army either occupy it or sub-let to some else capable.Shame on you.

Recommend 0

Asif Mufti

Jul 25, 2014 08:26pm

Why Army is getting into messy political fight between several party's?

Recommend 0

Jul 25, 2014 08:27pm

When was the last time the army took orders from the government? This minister's blunder brought in Musharraf and this time the Sharif in uniform.

Recommend 0

NASAH (USA)

Jul 25, 2014 08:32pm

Not a bad idea -- mercurial Imran is very unpredictable -- just a precautionary measure to avoid what happened with TUQ's horde. Imran is no better.

Recommend 0

Sana

Jul 25, 2014 08:36pm

Losers!

Recommend 0

Ahmer

Jul 25, 2014 09:13pm

This is it. Those that believe that the Army will now ever go back to barracks are being too naive.

Recommend 0

Sara Y

Jul 25, 2014 09:28pm

It should have been invoked across all major cities. The radicals need to be crushed if by any means protests turns to violence and rioters start damaging state and public property.

Recommend 0

Nawaz

Jul 25, 2014 10:01pm

seems PMLN is scared of PTI and its struggle for a just legal system!!!

Recommend 0

SOHAIL KHAN

Jul 25, 2014 10:21pm

Ch Nisar is 100% right, this government is not capable of doing any thing invite ARMY again is the right thing to do

Recommend 0

SMI

Jul 25, 2014 10:37pm

Afraid from Long March!!!

Recommend 0

Jani

Jul 25, 2014 10:46pm

@Pervez An undemocratic move in the guise of security concern, to avert the protest rallies which wont work as they would protest peacefully unless suppressed violently in the Model Town style.

Recommend 0

kamal

Jul 25, 2014 11:17pm

the history will repeat itself again?. peaceful anti government protests are into democratic norms and folds. like wise in all take overs the army was invited to control the situation first and when army used his method of controlling the situations it led to the birth of more riots and upheavals. the army itself refuse this undertaking since the capital has not been overpowered or have threat to be over powered by PTI. nawaz sharief must learn from the past now.......................

Recommend 0

kamal

Jul 25, 2014 11:20pm

army should itself refuse. the capital is not under threat to be over powered by PTI. PM should learn from history

Recommend 0

Aly

Jul 25, 2014 11:29pm

Government has buckled and now its commiting harakiri by calling the army. At this rate a martial law is imminent

Recommend 0

Xain

Jul 25, 2014 11:53pm

@Lucky Star if IK is failed so how come he got KPK and for the first time he has created a big movement in PAK.

Recommend 0

zak

Jul 26, 2014 12:13am

@fida sayani Not Pakistan but the PML-N government. Get it right genius!

Recommend 0

zak

Jul 26, 2014 12:24am

Bring President Musharaf back to lead us again.

Recommend 0

Monim

Jul 26, 2014 12:43am

Obviously Pakistan Police is to only serve the master but the masses, I wonder what training curriculum they follow? Why is army rule bad for Pakistan??

Recommend 0

Sid

Jul 26, 2014 01:03am

Nisar, if the situation is so bad there in ISB that Army had to be brought in, then, for Karachi, this should have been a NO BRAINNER! But, we all know that the govt is not about providing and ensuring security and peace in Karachi. Else, things would have been so different in khi. I wonder, WHAT will you guys say on the day of judgment about what you did for your people whom you were leaders of.

Recommend 0

Khurram Nawaz

Jul 26, 2014 01:21am

Someone rightly said about PML(N) government, that they don't need an enemy....as they are going to pack up by themselves....

Recommend 0

I. Ahmed

Jul 26, 2014 02:26am

@Sid For Karachi PML-N will get the international forces, perhaps, Saudi forces that is why NS went there!

Recommend 0

Amir Iftikhar Warraich

Jul 26, 2014 02:38am

Why don't hand over law and order of entire country to the Armed gforces?

Recommend 0

Rehan

Jul 26, 2014 02:49am

@Pervez ... true ... i dont know what the fuss is about ... anyways when last time the government tried to keep up the peaceful rallies there were mishaps that turned into political war tool by TuQ and PTI! ... i guess this plan isolates such move by opposition and keeps security in the state !

Recommend 0

Rehan

Jul 26, 2014 02:52am

@Lucky Star ,, lol true !!!

Recommend 0

Syed A

Jul 26, 2014 03:46am

A Senior minister of the ruling party has admitted the government's failure to control the small city of Islamabad. How can anyone expect that they control complex places like Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar? PML N has itself admitted it's inability to govern due to a Web, of incompetence, corruption, tax evasion and playing favorites. Now Nawaz Sharif is playing his flute, while the brave soldiers sacrifice their live and the IDP's brave it out in the open. Nawaz is also unnerved by the attack near his Royal Palace.

Recommend 0

john smith

Jul 26, 2014 04:39am

People of Troy rejoice for the gods have sent you a gift.

Recommend 0

Syed (Australia)

Jul 26, 2014 05:03am

I will request the Pak Army if the civil government does not allow opposition to hold rallies against the corrupt policies of the current government then do not let these corrupt officials to hold office position, otherwise any action of the army will be considered biased. Army got it respect back in the public eyes after bold steps taken by the army leadership not by the civilian dictatorship. Please stand neutral or take the complete power in your hand. I love to see Army only with full powers no civil intervention at all.

Recommend 0

Horrible

Jul 26, 2014 08:13am

We wholeheartedly well come Khakies to Islamabad and expect them to. Maintain smoothly to win the ongoing battle against Outlaws.

Recommend 0

SMQ Zaman

Jul 26, 2014 09:17am

Chaudhry Nisar and the Govt. of Pakistan had no choice, but to call-in the Army to maintain law and order for three months, in Islamabad, as from 1 August to dispel any non-peaceful sit-ins and demonstrations planned by PTI and PAT supporters from 14th August (Independence Day of Pakistan); and this is, also, now a conclusive proof that the Army does not support Imran Khan and Dr Tahirul Qadri's prospective 'street revolution' to derail democracy whilst, at least, the Operation against the Taliban is in progress (which may take a few years to eradicate the sleeper-cells across the country)!

Recommend 0

Lucky Star

Jul 26, 2014 09:43am

@Xain Big deal!

Recommend 0

Moby

Jul 27, 2014 09:43am

Coup by nisar?

Recommend 0

Moby

Jul 27, 2014 09:47am

@Arif Aslam Khan please spare us new dawns shown by the army...their track record speaks volumes.