Pakistan: Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) members to march from Lahore to Islamabad starting Oct. 22 /update 1

Event

Members of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) party plan to march from Lahore to Islamabad starting Oct. 22. TLP supporters are demanding the authorities release the party leader, Saad Hussain Rizvi, who is under detention due to allegedly inciting violence. While the march route is unclear, the protesters will likely march through Ferozewala, Hafizabad, Chakwal, and Rawalpindi areas. TLP members will likely also stage further rallies in Lahore through the end of October. Dozens to hundreds of people have held related demonstrations on Multan Road and entry points into Lahore, such as the Thokar Niaz Baig area. Similar numbers will likely participate in any upcoming action.

Authorities will likely impose enhanced security measures, including deploying additional personnel, at any protest site or along the march route. Transport and business disruptions are likely, particularly if protesters continue to block roads at entry points into Lahore or along the march route to Islamabad. Officials have disrupted internet services in parts of Lahore, including Gushan-e-Ravi, Iqbal Town, Nawankot, Sabzazar, Samanabad, and Sherakot, to facilitate security measures, and may implement similar protocols in other rally sites or along the march route . Clashes between demonstrators and security personnel may occur, particularly if officials attempt to break up any gathering that violates COVID-19 restrictions.

Advice

Avoid any protests in Lahore, Islamabad, or along the march route as a precaution. Plan for possible localized transport and business disruptions nearby rally or march sites. Do not attempt to bypass any roadblocks, as protesters may target vehicles. Plan for internet disruptions in the affected areas. If violence erupts nearby, leave the area immediately and seek shelter at a non-government building. Heed all official transport and security advisories.