Pakistan: Activists to stage protest marches in Karachi and Islamabad Dec. 23, denouncing alleged violence targetting Baloch protestors /update 1

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee will hold a protest march from the National Press Club in Islamabad from 10:00 Dec. 23. Activists affiliated with the Aurat March (Woman's March) movement are also planning to stage a protest march from the Karachi Press Club in Karachi, Sindh Province, toward an undisclosed location Dec. 23; the march will reportedly begin sometime in the afternoon. The purpose of the action is to denounce alleged violence targeting Baloch community protesters in the country after security forces conducted mass arrests and forcefully dispersed a demonstration in Islamabad Dec. 20 over alleged enforced disappearances in Balochistan Province. Similar, well-attended events have previously attracted thousands of participants.

Additional demonstrations, as well as shutdown strikes, are possible in the coming days. Typical protest sites include press clubs, government buildings such as the Islamabad High Court, police stations, public squares, and major thoroughfares. Hundreds to thousands of participants could join each rally, with the largest gatherings likely in Islamabad and Quetta. Participation in related strikes is most likely in Balochistan Province.

Authorities will almost certainly monitor any rallies that materialize and may attempt to disperse overly disruptive crowds. Clashes between activists and police are possible. Police may conduct mass arrests or resort to using force, including water cannons, tear gas, and baton charges, in response to security incidents. Associated localized transport and business disruptions are possible, especially if protesters stage blockades.