23 Apr 2018 | 04:09 AM UTC
Pakistan: Thousands participate in PTM rally in Lahore April 22
Thousands of people participate in Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) rally in Lahore April 22; additional demonstration planned in Karachi May 12
Event
On Sunday, April 22, thousands of people participated in a rally organized by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) at the Mochi Gate in Lahore. The protesters reportedly demanded that Pakistani security forces stop subjecting ethnic Pashtun populations to alleged rights abuses, including forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, among others, as part of their offensive against the Taliban and set up a "Truth and Reconciliation Commission" to address cases of extrajudicial killings of missing Pashtun individuals. The rally was reportedly held without a government permit; at least five PTM leaders were briefly detained by police on Sunday. Another PTM rally is slated to take place in Karachi on May 12. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected around the May 12 rally and other related demonstrations.
Context
According to PTM members, the group has been particularly effective at mobilizing supporters to protest the forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of Pashtun individuals in Pakistan since the extrajudicial police killing (or "encounter killing") of social media personality Naqeebullah Mehsud in Karachi on January 13.
Pashtuns make up about 15 percent of Pakistan's population.
Advice
Individuals in Pakistan, particularly in Lahore and Karachi, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
As a reminder, due to the high threat of terrorism, kidnapping, and sectarian violence throughout the country, Western governments usually advise their citizens against all nonessential travel to Pakistan. Remain vigilant at all times and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.
