Sharif orders deployment of army in all major Pakistan cities

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has ordered the deployment of the army in all major cities of Pakistan under Article 245 of the nation's Constitution.

According to an Express News report, the army has been called in to assist civil institutions.

It was further stated that the decision was taken during a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Friday.

Article 245 states "650[(1)] 650 The Armed Forces shall, under the directions of the Federal Government, defend Pakistan against external aggression or threat of war, and, subject to law, act in aid of civil power when called upon to do so.

651[(2) The validity of any direction issued by the Federal Government under clause (1) shall not be called in question in any court.

(3) A High Court shall not exercise any jurisdiction under Article 199 in relation to any area in which the Armed Forces of Pakistan are, for the time being, acting in aid of civil power in pursuance of Article 245:

Provided that this clause shall not be deemed to affect the jurisdiction of the High Court in respect of any proceeding pending immediately before the day on which the Armed Forces start acting in aid of civil power.

(4) Any proceeding in relation to an area referred to in clause (3) instituted on or after the day the Armed Forces start acting in aid of civil power and pending in any High Court shall remain suspended for the period during which the Armed Forces are so acting.