Pakistan: Calls for anti-war protests in major urban centers Feb. 28 /update 1

Event

Anti-war demonstrations are expected to take place place in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore on Thursday, February 28, in response to recent Indian airstrikes and heightened tensions in between India and Pakistan. According to local reports, protesters are expected to gather in Karachi at the Press Club at 15:00 (local time), in Lahore at the Press Club at 15:00, and in Islamabad at the Press Club at 15:30. Further protests to denounce the heightened tensions with India, as well as the closure of the Pakistani airspace on February 27 following escalating tensions between both countries, are likely in major urban centers across Pakistan in the coming days along with a heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions.

Context

Tensions significantly escalated between India and Pakistan after the IAF conducted airstrikes on a a suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) camp near Balakot (Pakistan) on February 26. Indian officials claim the strikes were a "pre-emptive, non-military" strike in response to credible intelligence that JeM was planning another suicide attack in India. JeM recently claimed responsibility for a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (SVBIED) attack in Pulwama district (Jammu and Kashmir) on February 14, killing at least 40 Indian paramilitary officers. India has accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers. It was the deadliest terrorist attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks. India and Pakistan both claim sovereignty over Jammu & Kashmir and has been the focus of periodic violent conflict since 1947.

Advice

Individuals in Pakistan are advised to monitor the situation, strictly avoid all public demonstrations, adhere to all instructions issued by their home governments and local authorities, anticipate localized transportation disruptions in the vicinity of any demonstrations, and avoid discussing political topics in public or on social media.