ISLAMABAD- Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan today said that army had been requisitioned in aid to the civil administration under article 245 of the Constitution.
Addressing a news conference in Islamabad today, he said no city will be handed to the army. The Minister said the decision of calling the army was made at least five days before the start of the operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan.
He categorically stated that requisitioning of the army has no link with any political rally or movement.
Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said those politicians, who are issuing statements on this step, are trying to drag Pakistan Army into controversy.
He said during past few years, different governments called Pakistan army in aid to civil administration for at least twenty times under article 245 for different purposes, including elections, by-elections, counter terrorism, law and order, verification of electoral lists in Karachi and during Muharram-ul-Haram to maintain law and order.
The Minister said the PPP Government requisitioned army for eleven times during its tenure. He said reason for calling the army this time is to avoid the backlash of the ongoing operation in North Waziristan. He said army will be deployed to protect important buildings and strategic locations.
Interior Minister said so far the Government or District Magistrate has not received any request from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf for holding political rally at D-Chowk on 14th August. He said the government will decided on this matter once a request is received in this regard.
He said army called in under article 245 will perform according to Anti-Terrorism Act, while remaining in low-key.