Pakistan: Demonstrations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi Nov. 9-10

Event

Large demonstrations and processions are planned in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Thursday, November 9, and Friday, November 10, according to the US embassy in Islamabad. A large demonstration is planned to take place in Islamabad on November 9, and processions in observance of Chehlum are scheduled in Islamabad on Thursday, November 9, and in Rawalpindi and other major cities in Pakistan on Friday, November 10.

Some 5000 demonstrators reportedly arrived near the Faizabad interchange (Islamabad-Rawalpindi border) and were to process toward the Pakistani parliament building and arrive near China Chowk (Sector G/6) in Islamabad on November 8. The Chehlum procession is planned to assemble at a mosque near China Chowk at 10:00 (local time) on November 9, and conclude in the evening. The US embassy has advised all individuals in Islamabad to avoid the intersection of Ataturk and Shahrah-e-Jamhuriat Avenues (in front of the National Database and Registration Authority [NADRA]), Agha Khan Road (near the Marriot Hotel), the intersection of Kashmir highway and Club Road, Khayaban-e-Suhrwardy Road (near Serena Hotel), and Jinnah Avenue from Express Chowk to Faisal Avenue. The procession in Rawalpindi is planned to take place in the afternoon of November 10, beginning at Colonel Maqbool Imambargah and ending at Imambargah Qadeemi after traversing the traditional Ashura route.

Some Pakistani regional governments will reportedly jam cellular phone services during Chehlum to augment security. Heightened security measures and significant transportation disruptions are expected over the coming days on major thoroughfares and in major cities, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Peshawar.

Context

Arbaeen, or Chehlum, falls 40 days after Ashura, ending a period of mourning commemorating the martyrdom of Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammed, known as Muharram. It is marked by a large pilgrimage of over 20 million Shi'a Muslims to Karbala, Iraq, as well as smaller processions and celebrations across the Shi'a Muslim world. Chehlum will be observed in Islamabad on November 9, and in the rest of Pakistan on November 10. 

Advice

Individuals are advised to exercise caution during Arbaeen (Chehlum) celebrations in Shi'a communities. Individuals throughout the region should be particularly respectful regarding local customs and beliefs during this sensitive period in Shi'a Islam. Avoid related gatherings and processions due to the latent threat of violence.

Due to the prevailing terrorist threat in the region, individuals should remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. Always be on guard when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (public transportation, train stations, ports, airports, public or government buildings, embassies or consulates, international organizations, schools and universities, religious sites, markets, hotels and restaurants frequented by foreigners/Westerners, festivals, etc.).