Pakistan: Pakistan Day events and protests to occur in major cities March 23

Event

Tight security and traffic restrictions are likely nationwide, mainly in provincial and district headquarters, March 23 due to Pakistan Day celebrations. The main national event will occur at Islamabad's Shakarparian Parade Ground, involving thousands of people. Smaller events will probably take place at government buildings and public squares in other cities, including Lahore, Multan, Peshawar, Quetta, and Rawalpindi.

Opposition groups like the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) will hold demonstrations in Islamabad to oppose the government's alleged ineffective policies. Related gatherings are probable in other cities nationwide. Protests will likely occur at public squares and roadways or outside government buildings, local press clubs, and prominent mosques.

Authorities will likely monitor Pakistan Day events and rehearsals, as well as rallies, as a precaution. Enhanced security checks are certain near official event sites, potential militant target locations like diplomatic facilities, government buildings, military installations, transport hubs, and large retail centers, and demonstration sites. Personnel and vehicle checks are likely, mainly along routes leading to Islamabad. Localized transport and business disruptions are probably due to the security protocols and Pakistan Day events or rallies. Officials typically implement partial airspace closures over Islamabad and Rawalpindi cities during the parade; however, commercial passenger flights at the Islamabad International Airport (ISB) are unlikely to be affected. While most demonstrations will probably pass peacefully, minor skirmishes due to security cordon breaches or factional clashes remain possible. As Pakistan Day is a public holiday, government offices, banks, educational institutions, and many businesses will remain closed.

Context

Pakistan Day marks the anniversary of a 1940 resolution calling for a separate homeland for Muslims in India and the adoption of the Pakistani Constitution in 1956, which completed the country's transition from a British dominion to an independent republic. Pakistan Day events in Islamabad were abandoned between 2009 and 2014 due to security concerns. Although there are no specific threats to the holiday, militant attacks remain possible given the day's symbolic significance.

Advice

Confirm all business appointments, road status, and transport reservations through March 23. Avoid all event sites and demonstrations as a precaution. Monitor local media for updates on rally venues, as organizers may not announce them in advance. Exercise caution and allow additional time for ground travel near event sites, especially in major cities. Heed all official traffic and security advisories.