Pakistan: Additional protests, clashes possible in Karachi, Sindh Province, following Jan. 18 civil unrest incident /update 1

Event

Additional protests and clashes are possible in Karachi, Sindh Province, following the Jan. 18 civil unrest actions in response to perceived irregularities in the Jan. 15 local government elections. On Jan. 18, activists from the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP) clashed outside the deputy commissioner (DC) offices in the Keamari and Gulshan areas of Karachi; the skirmishes reportedly left several people injured.

Further demonstrations are likely of varying types, including rallies, protest marches, sit-ins, or shutdown strikes, by various political parties over the coming days. Typical rally sites include Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) offices, DC offices, and other government buildings, as well as press clubs, public squares or grounds, and main thoroughfares. Well-attended gatherings may attract up to thousands of participants.

Authorities will almost certainly maintain a heightened security presence near any such gatherings that materialize and may attempt to disperse especially disruptive protests. Activists may march along or block roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions. Localized business disruptions may occur in the event of a prolonged and/or sizable demonstration.

Advice

Avoid any demonstrations that materialize as a standard security precaution. If violence erupts nearby, seek shelter at a secure, nongovernmental facility. Allow additional travel time near gathering sites. Plan accordingly for possible localized business disruptions. Heed all official transport and security advisories.