ISLAMABAD: Government has granted approval of Army deployment across country during Muharram to ensure security. Government has approved deployment of Pakistan Army and civil armed forces in Islamabad, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan along with provinces, says notification. 

Notification mentions that details about Army deployment will be discussed with relevant authorities. Deployment of Army and civil armed forces has been allowed for an indefinite period.  Army as quick response force is going to be deployed on request of provinces. Provinces will decide about places and numbers of deployment of Army troops. Earlier, Sindh government approved deployment of Army, Rangers and FC personnel.  With advent of Muharram on Monday, Punjab police have finalised foolproof security arrangements to protect processions and majalis (gatherings) across province.  As many as 10,700 processions and 38,000 Majalis will take place in province. Over 215,000 officers and personnel will perform security duty, with over 28,000 officers and personnel will specifically be deployed in Lahore.  Rangers and Pakistan Army, along with other government security institutions, will help police for peaceful Muharram.  Over 66,000 community volunteers and 45,000 volunteers will perform security duty for Muharram processions.  Various field formations including CTD, special branch, traffic police, Dolphin Squad and Peru, will perform their duties as part of security plan. Across province, 633 points have been identified as flashpoints, with 283 in Lahore alone. In Lahore, 54 locations are deemed extremely sensitive, and 229 sensitive, with additional personnel deployed accordingly.