Pakistan: Protests denouncing electricity and fuel price increases likely nationwide through early October /update 3

Event

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

As of Sept. 18, the Jamaat-e-Islami party has announced plans to hold sit-in demonstrations outside various governor houses and other public gatherings on the following dates and locations:

• Sept. 18: Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

• Sept. 19: Karachi, Sindh Province

• Sept. 21-22: Rawalpindi, Punjab Province

• Sept. 23: Lahore, Punjab Province

• Sept. 24: Quetta, Balochistan Province

• Sept. 29: Multan, Punjab Province

• Oct. 6: Karachi, Sindh Province

Other 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, press clubs, monuments, 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.