Pakistan: Security curbs active in several cities amid planned rallies by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party /update 1

Authorities have imposed public gathering bans in Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, and Mianwali cities of Punjab Province as of Oct. 1 citing law and order concerns; civil armed forces have also deployed to Mianwali. The move comes amid ongoing nationwide protests by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party from Sept. 26. The action is to mobilize support for imprisoned leader Imran Khan and denounce proposed constitutional amendments that will allegedly undermine the independence of the judiciary. Additional demonstrations are likely through at least early October, when parliamentary discussion on the controversial amendments will occur. Details of known events include:

• Oct. 2: Protests in Punjab Province will occur at Ghanta Ghar Chowk intersection in Faisalabad, and at unspecified sites in Bahawalpur and Mianwali cities; several hundred people may gather at each event.

• Oct. 4: Gathering planned at Islamabad's D-Chowk intersection from 16:00; police typically stop activists' convoys at entry points of the city. Protesters may gather at alternative sites like Fatimah Jinnah Park or the Srinagar Highway.

• Oct. 5: Rally involving up to a few thousand attendees planned near Lahore's Minar-e-Pakistan monument from 17:00, to mark Imran Khan's birthday.

Although specific locations and start times for some events are unclear, potential gathering sites include press clubs, monuments, sports grounds, government buildings, public squares, and thoroughfares at district headquarters. Rallies usually occur after congregational prayers in the afternoon. A few hundred people typically attend smaller gatherings. Protest plans are subject to change at short notice due to legal orders or security measures.

Authorities will likely monitor the gatherings and have used force such as batons and tear gas to disperse previous rallies. Police are implementing traffic restrictions and security checks in Islamabad as a precaution. The tightest security and multiple road closures are likely around government and diplomatic buildings in the Red Zone on protest days. Similar measures are likely in Rawalpindi and other major cities where rallies are announced; preventive arrests of PTI leaders are possible. Clashes between police and activists, as well as arson and vandalism are possible. Temporary mobile internet curbs may occur in the event of significant violence.

Activists will likely hold marches or vehicle processions along roadways, including interprovincial highways, prompting localized transport disruptions. Authorities typically impose security checks and police roadblocks along access routes to cities to control protest attendance. Localized business disruptions may occur; officials have previously closed schools and curtailed public transport services during large rallies in urban centers.