Pakistan: Swearing-in ceremony for Imran Khan planned in Islamabad August 18 /update 4

Event

Prime Minister-elect and leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) Imran Khan will be sworn into office on Saturday, August 18, at the President House in Islamabad. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions, including road closures and security checkpoints along the city's main thoroughfares, are expected. Spontaneous protests by opposition groups are possible.

Context

PTI, led by Imran Khan, garnered the most votes in Pakistan's July 25 general election and is poised to become the country's ruling party - a position recently held by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Khan declared victory in a speech on July 26, promising to investigate election fraud and unite Pakistan under his administration.

The election marks the second time in Pakistan's history that a successful transfer of power from one civilian government to another will take place. However, violence was reported during the campaign season, as election-related gatherings were repeatedly targeted by militants, resulting in hundreds of deaths, including at least 31 people killed in a suicide attack on a polling station in Quetta on election day, July 25. Additionally, some candidates have accused the security establishment of threatening party members and choosing sides in the election.

Advice

Individuals in Islamabad are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all demonstrations and protests, anticipate transportation disruptions, and adhere to any instructions by local authorities.