Punjab okays army deployment for security at upcoming SCO summit

LAHORE: The Punjab Cabinet Committee on Law and Order has approved the deployment of the army to assist the civil administration in ensuring the security of heads of state and distinguished guests attending the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Islamabad.

The summit, scheduled for October 15 and 16, 2024, will see army personnel stationed in the districts of Rawalpindi and Attock to provide security as needed. Following the 15th meeting of the Special Committee for Coordination of Law and Order (SCCLO) on October 5, 2024, the Government of Punjab issued Rules of Engagement (ROEs) for the deployment of the Pakistan Army to support civil authorities in maintaining law and order.

This deployment, authorised under Article 245 of the Constitution and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, will be carried out in conjunction with other relevant statutes.The ROEs will regulate the deployment of Armed Forces in collaboration with Civil Armed Forces and the Police during the 23rd SCO Council of Heads of State meeting. Security arrangements will cover key locations such as airbases, airports, main routes, venues, and accommodation sites within Punjab to ensure the safety of foreign delegates. According to the notification, the military commander on the ground, in consultation with the police commander, will determine the precise deployment strategy. The Armed Forces will have the authority to take necessary actions, including the use of firearms, depending on the situation.

If security forces identify a threat or face attacks from hostile elements, mobs, or rioters, the local commander may take the following measures, though not necessarily in this order:Issue warnings to demonstrators through appropriate means.

Display a show of force, including the use of Riot Control Agents (RCAs).Use minimum force proportional to the threat, while retaining the right to defend themselves and critical infrastructure.Fire warning shots over the heads of hostile individuals.

Respond promptly and effectively to any hostile fire.In the absence of local police authorities, the armed forces may also detain individuals committing or threatening to commit a crime. The local commander may deem electronic monitoring necessary.

These guidelines are adaptable and will be implemented based on the ground situation, with coordination from the Home Department, Government of Punjab. With security arrangements a top priority, Punjab is preparing to ensure law and order during the high-profile SCO summit.