Pakistan: Farmers threaten to lock down Punjab and Sindh

Event

Pakistani farmers announced on Tuesday, June 6, plans to shut major roads and lockdown cities in Punjab and Sindh provinces in a bid to put pressure on the government to accept various demands. The date of the protests will not be released prior to the actual event in order to prevent an ambush by security forces, who suppressed a planned demonstration in Islamabad on May 26.

All major roads leading to Karachi, Sukkur, and Hyderabad are likely to be blocked during the protest, along with streets within Lahore, Multan, Sargodha, Bahawalpur, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Sahiwal.

Context

The May 26 demonstration outside Islamabad’s parliament building was marred by clashes between protesters and security forces, who resorted to water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition to disperse the crowd. Over 100 protesters were arrested and detained and many were injured.

The farmers are demanding agricultural subsidies from the federal government.

Advice

Individuals present in Pakistan are advised to avoid all demonstrations as violence may flare up without warning and to follow instructions issued by the local authorities. As a reminder, there is a high threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and sectarian violence throughout Pakistan. Remain vigilant and follow appropriate security protocols.