07 Sep 2023 | 06:13 PM UTC
Pakistan: Protests denouncing electricity tariff increases likely to persist nationwide through at least early October /update 2
Rallies denouncing electricity tariff increases likely to continue in Pakistan through at least early October. Avoid all protests.
Event
Protests denouncing electricity tariff 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. 7, 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. 8-10: Muzaffargarh and Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab Province
Sept. 15: Faisalabad, Punjab Province
Sept. 18: Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province
Sept. 21-22: Multan and Rawalpindi, Punjab Province
Sept. 23: Lahore, Punjab Province
Sept. 24: Quetta, Balochistan Province
Oct. 6: Karachi, Sindh Province
Additionally, the Peshawar High Court Bar Association (PHCBA) has threatened to launch a protest campaign if the existing tariffs remain; in early September, the PHCBA's practitioners boycotted several legal services, prompting related operational disruptions. 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, 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.
