Pakistan: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party likely to continue nationwide protests through at least late November /update 4

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party will likely stage nationwide protests through at least late November. The purpose of the action is to demand that various grievances be addressed, including the release of the imprisoned PTI leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Party members and supporters are planning a long march to an unspecified location in Islamabad, accompanied by a sit-in protest, on Nov. 24.

Additional demonstrations of varying types, including marches and transport blockages, are likely over the coming days. Potential gathering sites include press clubs, monuments, sports grounds, government buildings, public squares, and major thoroughfares. Well-attended gatherings have previously drawn tens of thousands of participants. Due to legal orders or security measures, protest plans may change on short notice.

Authorities typically invoke Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code which empowers the government to temporarily prohibit unauthorized public gatherings, as well as to deploy police, paramilitary, and military personnel to prevent rallies. 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 PTI 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.