Pakistan: Jamaat-i-Islami party to hold protests across Balochistan Province on Nov. 15

The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) party has announced they will be protesting across the Balochistan Province on Nov. 15 to demand greater security in the area after a recent increase in terrorist and crime-related incidents. The exact timing and location of the protests remain unclear, demonstrations typically occur between late morning and early afternoon near government buildings, thoroughfares, and public venues. Participation will vary by location, with major urban centers like Quetta and Turbat likely to see turnouts of thousands of participants.

Authorities typically invoke Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which empowers the government to temporarily prohibit unauthorized public gatherings and deploy police, paramilitary, and military personnel to prevent demonstrations. Security forces will likely monitor any demonstrations that occur and may use batons and tear gas to disperse some gatherings. Security checks, traffic restrictions, and resulting transport delays will likely affect certain areas in major cities, and preventive arrests of JI leaders are possible.

Clashes between police and activists, as well as incidents of arson and vandalism, remain possible, especially if authorities attempt to disperse crowds forcibly. In the event of significant violence, temporary mobile internet outages and restrictions on social media and messaging applications may be imposed. Localized business disruptions could occur in areas affected by protests and increased security.