Pakistan: Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) party to stage a protest march from various cities toward Islamabad beginning 11:00 Oct. 28 /update 1

Event

The Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) party will stage a protest march from various cities towards Islamabad from 11:00 Oct. 28 as a part of its Haqeeqi Azadi movement demanding fresh elections. The event will likely draw thousands of participants. While former Prime Minister Imran Khan will lead a convoy from Lahore's Liberty Chowk and enter Islamabad via GT Road, two other convoys will start from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir's Mirpur. Supporters may hold additional rallies from other cities to the gathering points; demonstrations are possible near prominent public squares, press clubs, government buildings, and roadways if police block marches. The march route and rally sites could change with little-to-no notice due to law enforcement restrictions.

Authorities have already deployed at least 6,000 security personnel in Islamabad ahead of the planned demonstration. Section 144 orders that prohibit unauthorized gatherings above four people are active in Islamabad until further notice. Activists may attempt to defy ongoing security measures to hold sit-ins at popular rally sites in the Red Zone, including the National Assembly, Parliament House, and Supreme Court buildings, as well as roadways like D-Chowk. PTI supporters may also rally outside the US embassy, as PTI leaders have alleged US involvement in the dismissal of the Khan-led government. Large gatherings may cause business disruptions due to the threat of violence, precautionary closures, and/or transport disruptions preventing employee movement.

Traffic disruptions are also likely across the city until the protest ends. Authorities typically close off most access roads to the Red Zone, which contains key government buildings, as well D-Chowk. Police usually restrict entry from other cities into Islamabad. Enhanced measures such as military deployment, mass arrests, curtailment of media, transport and telecommunication services, suspension of fuel supply to protestor vehicles, as well as limits on public movement, are possible. Authorities may use tear gas and/or water cannons to forcibly disperse crowds if security cordons are breached, leading to clashes. Officials have conducted preventive detentions of PTI workers ahead of similar marches; any arrests may cause retaliatory protests. Clashes between rival party members, as well as arson and vandalism, cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid protests due to possible clashes; seek alternative routes to destinations in Islamabad. If operating in the affected area, leave immediately in case of violence to take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Confirm business appointments, road status, and transport reservations in central Islamabad; plan for travel delays until the action ends. Monitor local media as organizers could announce or change protest plans at short notice. Carry proper identification documents. Remain nonconfrontational if approached by security personnel for checks. Heed traffic and security advisories.