The federal government has authorised the deployment of three companies of the Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi for six months for “sensitive security duties”, it emerged on Saturday.

The interior ministry’s order, a copy of which is available with Dawn, is dated August 21.

“Pursuant to the request made by the Punjab Home Department […] the federal government, in exercise of the powers conferred under Article 245 of the Constitution is pleased to authorise deployment of three companies of Pakistan Army for sensitive security duties in Rawalpindi to avoid any undesirable situation as well as to respond effectively in any unforeseen situation as per the requirement of the district administration for a period of six months with immediate effect,” the order said.

Article 245 of the Constitution pertains to the deployment of armed forces in aid of civil power.