Pakistan: Authorities tighten security nationwide ahead of Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Day holiday Dec. 25

Event

Security forces will be on high alert across Pakistan through Dec. 25 for Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam's birth anniversary celebrations. While political leaders typically visit the Mazar-e-Quaid mausoleum in Karachi, Christian worshipers will gather at festive fairs and churches across the country. Authorities are elevating security around sensitive places such as government buildings and worship sites, especially in major urban centers such as Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, and Rawalpindi. Gatherings could prompt traffic delays in areas with prominent churches and memorials. Police could enforce ongoing nationwide COVID-19 measures, such as limits on gathering size.

Authorities will likely enforce road closures and traffic diversions and restrictions, especially near churches. Businesses in most areas may close or alter opening hours for the public holiday. While authorities have not disclosed any specific threats, Sunni militant organizations have historically staged targeted attacks on minority groups during religious observances; Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for a 2017 suicide bombing in a Quetta church ahead of Christmas.

As a precautionary measure, security personnel will probably set up checkpoints on major roadways and increase security around prominent commercial centers, religious sites, and other crowded locations. While violence is possible in many areas, events in major cities are potential flashpoints, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Other cities previously identified as potential targets for suicide bombings during the holiday include but are not limited to Faisalabad, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi. Religious groups may stage protests if local authorities ban any planned events; clashes are also possible if police attempt to enforce COVID-19 restrictions in permitted gatherings. Officials may impose temporary localized telecommunication restrictions to prevent militant attacks and sectarian clashes.

Advice

Confirm travel arrangements. Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments, deliveries, and travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Limit exposure to places of worship, government and political party offices, security and intelligence installations, and large gatherings throughout the country. To the extent possible, limit unnecessary travel through Dec. 25. Make allowances for possible telecommunications disruptions.