Pakistan: Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan party continues indefinite sit-in protest at the Faizabad Interchange in Islamabad as of July 18 /update 1

Thousands of activists from the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) party are continuing an indefinite sit-in protest at the Faizabad Interchange in Islamabad as of July 18. Organizers are demanding the government deliver aid to Palestine, announce a boycott of Israeli products, and declare Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a terrorist. The action - which began July 13 - has resulted in significant disruptions to inter-city traffic to and from Islamabad and has prompted security deployment. The demonstration may end at short notice if ongoing negotiations succeed.

Traffic restrictions, including road closures and diversions, are affecting multiple routes like Grand Trunk, IJP, and Muree roads and Rawat T-Chowk and Rawal Dam Chowk intersections. Public bus services passing Faizabad are experiencing suspensions and curtailments. Security checkpoints and cordons around key government and diplomatic buildings in the Red Zone are probable; heightened security is especially likely near the US embassy. Clashes are possible if police attempt to disperse the gathering forcibly.