Pakistan: Jamaat-e-Islami party calls for nationwide shutdown strike Aug. 28

The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) party has called for a nationwide shutdown strike Aug. 28. The action is part of a series of ongoing demonstrations to denounce the effects of alleged misgovernance, including economic issues, increased electricity prices, and load shedding. Participation is likely to be moderate, with minimal disruptions to multinational corporations. Activists are likely to hold related protests during the strike, with up to several hundred people attending rallies in cities. Protest plans may change at short notice if authorities deny or cancel permission for events.

Closures of local businesses such as markets are likely during the strike. Strike supporters may also forcibly enforce closures, mainly in suburban areas. Transport services, public entities, as well as essential and emergency services are unlikely to be affected.

While organizers have not announced details of strike-related gatherings, popular protest sites include government buildings, public squares, and major thoroughfares. Security personnel will almost certainly monitor any large protests and may disperse overly disruptive crowds. Localized transport disruptions and traffic curbs are likely near demonstrations; police may also impose roadblocks in downtown areas to prevent rallies in Islamabad and other major cities.

Local officials have previously issued Section 144 orders in the lead-up to large rallies; the rules prohibit unauthorized public gatherings of more than four people and the carriage of arms in public, among others. Clashes between police and activists are possible. Enhanced security measures such as localized and temporary mobile internet restrictions cannot be ruled out if significant violence breaks out.