Pakistan: Authorities imposing security restrictions in several areas as of Aug. 7 amid protests after sentencing of Imran Khan /update 2

Event

Authorities are heightening security across Pakistan as of Aug. 7 amid calls for nationwide protests by the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The measures are likely through at least Aug. 14, when Pakistan observes its Independence Day. PTI supporters are holding nationwide peaceful protests in response to the Aug. 5 arrest of its leader, Imran Khan. He received a three-year sentence in a corruption-related case. No significant rallies or major security incidents have been reported as yet; PTI leaders claim at least 50 supporters are in preventive detention. Officials are enacting Section 144 orders in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, as well as Kasur, Jhelum, Mian­wali, Mandi Bahauddin, and Rawalpindi districts of Punjab Province through at least Aug. 12; the rules ban unauthorized public gatherings of over four people, carriage of arms in public, amid others. Disruptive and potentially violent demonstrations may occur if Khan loses legal appeals and/or his party is disqualified from contesting in the upcoming general elections over an ongoing investigation into delays to intra-party polls.

Heightened security is likely near all demonstration sites. Protest plans in Islamabad are certain to prompt the tightest security curbs, including checkpoints, entry restrictions, security deployment to sensitive buildings, and police roadblocks to prevent gatherings. Police are likely to disperse gatherings quickly and may use force like batons and water cannons. Protests have occurred along major roads, as well as near government buildings, press clubs, Khan's Zaman Park residence in Lahore, and courthouses. Additional rallies are likely in similar locations, though attendance is likely to remain low at most events. The threat of violence between demonstrators and police is elevated. Any well-attended protests organized by the party may cause localized ground travel delays. Officials could also impose localized restrictions on public movement and telecommunications, like mobile internet services, if and when violent protests occur.

Advice

Avoid all protests and concentrations of security personnel. Exercise caution near government buildings. Do not navigate roadblocks due to the threat of violence. Leave the area immediately if clashes break out. Monitor local media for updates on protest details, as organizers may not announce them in advance.