Pakistan: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party plans nationwide protests from the afternoon of June 21

Activists affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party plan to stage nationwide protests the afternoon of June 21 to demand the release of their detained party members, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Although organizers did not announce the specific locations or event start time, potential gathering sites include press clubs, PTI party offices, monuments, court buildings, government buildings, public squares, and thoroughfares. While participation will vary by locale, a few hundred people may attend each event through late evening, especially in provincial capitals.

Authorities will likely monitor the gatherings and could use force to disperse overly unruly crowds. Police are likely to ban gatherings near sensitive buildings, mainly in Islamabad; preventive arrests of PTI leaders cannot be ruled out. Clashes between police and activists are possible. Activists could march along or block roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions. Associated local business disruptions may occur.