ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Monday approved the deployment of Rangers in Punjab and the army in Balochistan in light of the law and order situation across the two provinces.

According to a proposal approved by the cabinet through circulation, Rangers will take over Punjab while Section 144 has also been imposed in Lahore for the next seven days. The provincial government had sought the deployment to maintain law and order and the approval was given under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

In Balochistan, the troops were deployed under Article 245. The Balochistan government had previously requested assistance from the army due to “escalating security concerns” in the province.

The army will be deployed to assist the civil administration in maintaining peace and order in Balochistan. The region has been plagued by violence and insecurity for many years, with separatist groups carrying out attacks on security forces.

Published in Dawn, May 16th, 2023