10 Aug 2023 | 08:42 AM UTC
Pakistan: Blockade affecting National Highway 55 in Darra Pezu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Aug. 10 following protester death
Workers blocking National Highway 55 in Darra Pezu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, Aug. 10. One protester killed in clashes. Avoid the area.
Event
Clashes are ongoing between police and protesters along National Highway (NH) 55 in Darra Pezu, Lakki Marwat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, on the afternoon of Aug. 10. Police had earlier arrested residents during a protest over a cement company's failure to complete promised development projects. Activists had then allegedly marched towards the local police station, prompting gunfighting that left one protester dead and four others injured. Demonstrators have since blocked sections of the National Highway 55 that connects Peshawar and Karachi.
Heightened security and traffic disruptions will continue in the coming hours. Further protests in nearby areas, as well as additional clashes, are possible. The blockade could prompt delivery delays affecting commercial operations.
The incident site is approximately 184 km (114 miles) northwest of Sargodha.
Advice
Avoid the impacted sections along NH 55 due to ongoing clashes. Allow additional travel time in the affected area through Aug. 10. Heed all instructions of security personnel.
