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The security arrangements of Pakistan's sensitive military city Rawalpindi have been further tightened. The Home Ministry has issued an order to deploy three army companies here for six months. Local media has given this information quoting the official order. In which the reason for this was said to be the demand of Punjab Government, however, recent developments are indicating that it is politically motivated.

Questions are being raised whether Shahbaz Sharif's government is afraid of Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party? According to leading Pakistani daily Dawn, this order of the Home Ministry is dated August 21.

The order said, “On the request of the Punjab Home Department, the federal government, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 245 of the Constitution, approves the deployment of three companies of Pakistan Army for 'sensitive security operations' in Rawalpindi.

Its objective is to avoid any unwanted situation and to take effective action in any unexpected situation as per the need of the district administration. This deployment will be for a period of six months with immediate effect. Under Article 245 of the Pakistani Constitution, the government can deploy armed forces to assist the civil administration if needed.

Even though this is being said to be a step taken in view of security, but if we look at the report of The Express Tribune, the reason seems to be more political. The report mentions the firing that took place on August 11 on Mall Road in Rawalpindi. According to this, armed men belonging to a “particular political party” had allegedly opened fire on security forces and injured a patrolling officer.

The name of the armed man was Muhammad Hussain who was killed in retaliation. Citing security sources, Pakistan Television News (PTV) reported that the alleged attacker was a resident of Khyber district and an active member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Following the incident, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar criticized PTI and accused the party of inciting violence and unrest. He said that violent protests have become a pattern for the party and claimed that PTI workers carry weapons during protests.

At the beginning of this month, PTI made a big announcement. Said that on September 27, there will be a long march towards Rawalpindi's twin city Islamabad. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Information and Public Relations Minister Shafi Jan said the decision was taken after discussions with party colleagues.

The call for the long march came as PTI observed a 'Black Day' with nationwide protests to mark the completion of three years of party founder Imran Khan's jail sentence. The party demanded the immediate release of the founder and his wife, restoration of constitutional rule, relief from inflation, restoration of what it described as the 'people's mandate' and a return to democracy.

Opposition parties reiterated on Friday that they are serious about the long march. Additionally, they also decided to approach the court on the issue of the government's failure to implement the Supreme Court (AC) order to Imran's treatment.