Pakistan: Protests denouncing electricity tariff increases likely to persist nationwide through at least mid-September /update 1

Event

Protests denouncing electricity tariff increases will likely continue across Pakistan through at least mid-September. Demonstrations over the issue have occurred in multiple cities including Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar, Multan, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad since Aug. 23.

As of Aug. 29, organizers have announced the following further actions:

• Aug. 31: The All City Traders Association will hold a shutdown strike in Karachi, Sindh Province. Other organizations with similar interests will probably participate in the action and may escalate the strike to a nationwide campaign.

• Sept. 1: The All Pakistan Trade Association will stage a nationwide shutdown strike.

• Sept. 2: The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) party has called for a nationwide strike.

Various organizations, as well as groups of local residents, will likely hold gatherings of varying types, including sit-ins, marches, blockades, and shutdown strikes, over the coming weeks. Potential rally sites include power utility company offices, government buildings, public squares, and thoroughfares. While the participation rate will probably vary by locale and sponsoring group, larger gatherings could draw thousands of attendees.

Authorities will likely monitor any such demonstrations that materialize and may move to disperse overly disruptive crowds. Clashes between police and activists cannot be ruled out. Demonstrators will probably march along or block roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions. Associated localized business disruptions are possible.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a precaution. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Allow additional travel time near gathering sites. Plan accordingly for possible localized business disruptions. Heed all official transport and security advisories.