The federal cabinet on Wednesday approved to deploy army in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provinces in view of the prevailing law and order situation, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel. 

The premier Shehbaz Sharif chaired a crucial meeting of the federal cabinet to discuss the prevailing situation in the country, particularly in light of the recent arrest of PTI Chairman Imran Khan.

The meeting held in Islamabad also okayed the deployment of the Pakistan army in Islamabad Capital Territory under Article 245 of the Constitution on the recommendation of the Federal Ministry of Interior.

According to the sources, cabinet members expressed deep concern over the violent incidents and unrest orchestrated by PTI supporters during their protests.

The cabinet meeting reviewed the overall situation of the country and strongly condemned violent incidents leading to damage to public and private properties in different cities.  

The interior ministry provided a comprehensive briefing on the overall law and order situation in the country, shedding light on the various incidents of violence that have occurred across different regions.

The majority of the federal cabinet opposed a move banning PTI, believing that it is ‘not a viable option. 

Instead, they are of the opinion that alternative measures should be taken to address the situation.

According to sources, a majority of the federal cabinet has rejected the proposal to ban PTI. Cabinet members believe that a ban on the party is not a viable solution to the current problem.

The meeting deplored that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership with a thought-out plan had been targeting the intelligence agencies and their officers which had now turned into terrorist attacks on sensitive installments and buildings.

The meeting criticized PTI and its chairman Imran Khan for their continuous diatribe against national institutions and their leadership. The participants that efforts at leveling of despicable allegations of murder attacks to dragging the national institutions into politics had been made for quite some time with continuity.

 “Such an attitude was in conformity with the PTI’s past mechanism and mode of working which had been now exacerbated.”

Sources indicate that one of the recommendations put forward by cabinet members is the deployment of Rangers at the residences of important personalities.

The cabinet has expressed its determination to prevent any conspiracy aimed at inciting civil war and pitting the people against the army.

PM Shehbaz reportedly expressed his anger over the violent incidents that took place on May 9.

Sources indicate that the prime minister questioned why the security of military and government property was not ensured, expressing disappointment that violent activists were not prevented from trespassing onto state property.

During the cabinet meeting, he also directed questions to Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, seeking clarification on the matter.

Sources reveal that the interior minister emphasized that patience was shown to avoid any bloodshed, and arrests of individuals involved in such incidents were currently underway.

The prime minister emphasized that it was the responsibility of both the federal and provincial governments to prevent such incidents from occurring.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged to bring vandals to justice as he noted that recent acts of violence by PTI activists had exposed the political party.