Pakistan: Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) party continues to hold protests and marches from various cities toward Islamabad for rally as of Nov. 4 /update 2

Event

The Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) party continues to hold protests and marches from various cities toward Islamabad as of Nov. 4 after an armed assailant attempted to assassinate PTI leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan during a protest march in Wazirabad, Punjab Province, Nov. 3. The shooting, which killed one person and wounded at least five others, prompted PTI supporters to stage spontaneous nationwide demonstrations Nov. 3; activists reportedly blocked major roadways. In light of the increased tensions, the threat of violence at PTI-led demonstrations is elevated.

The PTI commenced a long march involving several convoys Oct. 28 as part of its Haqeeqi Azadi movement demanding early elections; thousands of people have participated in related events. Organizers also plan to hold an indefinite sit-in at a heretofore undisclosed public square between G9 and H9 areas in Islamabad from Nov. 11. The march route and rally sites, as well as event times and dates, could change with little-to-no notice due to law enforcement restrictions. Supporters may hold additional rallies from other cities to the gathering points; demonstrations are possible near prominent public squares, press clubs, government buildings, and roadways if police block marches.

Authorities have already deployed at least 6,000 security personnel in Islamabad ahead of the planned demonstration in the capital. Section 144 orders that prohibit unauthorized gatherings of more than four people are active in Islamabad until further notice. Activists may attempt to defy ongoing security measures to hold sit-ins at popular rally sites in the Red Zone, including the National Assembly, Parliament House, and Supreme Court buildings, as well as roadways like D-Chowk. PTI supporters may also rally outside the US Embassy, as PTI leaders have alleged US involvement in the dismissal of the Khan-led government. Large gatherings may cause business disruptions due to the threat of violence, precautionary closures, and/or transport disruptions preventing employee movement.

Traffic disruptions are also likely across the city until the protest ends. Authorities typically close off most access roads to the Red Zone, which contains key government buildings, as well D-Chowk. Police usually restrict entry from other cities into Islamabad. Enhanced security measures are possible and may include the following: military deployment; mass arrests; curtailment of media, transport, and telecommunications services; suspension of fuel supply to protesters' vehicles; and limits on public movement. Authorities may use tear gas and/or water cannons to forcibly disperse crowds if security cordons are breached, leading to clashes. Officials have conducted preemptive detentions of PTI workers ahead of similar marches; any arrests may cause retaliatory protests. Clashes between rival party members, as well as acts of arson and vandalism, cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid all PTI-related gatherings due to the increased threat of violence; seek alternative routes to destinations in Islamabad. If violence breaks out in the area in which you are operating, leave immediately and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Confirm business appointments, road status, and transport reservations in central Islamabad; plan for travel delays until the action ends. Monitor local media as organizers could announce or change protest plans on short notice. Carry proper identification documents. Remain nonconfrontational if approached by security personnel for checks. Heed traffic and security advisories.