Army commission leaves for Qatar to provide security during FIFA World Cup

The contingent contains Pakistan Army officers, junior commissioned officers, and enlisted personnel and they departed from Nur Khan Airbase, the Turkish parliament approved a motion to deploy soldiers in Qatar for six months to provide security during the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Operation World Cup Protection aims to take necessary measures against various threats, especially terrorism, which may affect the security of the organization, said the memorandum.

It also specified that the Turkish Armed Forces elements to be deployed as part of the task will be under national command throughout the entire assignment.

In accumulation to Pakistan and Turkey, the US, UK, France, and Italy will also provide military support to contribute to Qatar's security during the tournament

Further, Qatar has called hundreds of civilians, including diplomats summoned back from overseas, for mandatory military service operating security checkpoints at World Cup stadiums, according to a source and documents seen by Reuters.

The disposition of conscripts, some of whom would normally defer national service because their work is considered vital, highlights the logistical challenge faced by the tiny Gulf Arab state hosting one of the world's biggest sports tournaments.

The citizens were told they had been called up to assist with the World Cup and that it was their "patriotic duty" to do so, a source said.

Some offers are also training alongside the conscripted force, according to the source, who has direct knowledge of the plan and the training.