27 Dec 2024 | 03:00 AM UTC
Pakistan: Shi'a Ulema Council plans nationwide protests from the afternoon of Dec. 27
Shi'a groups to hold protests across Pakistan, from the afternoon of Dec. 27. Increased security, disruptions likely in cities.
The Shi'a Ulema Council has called for nationwide protests from the afternoon of Dec. 27 to denounce ongoing sectarian violence in northwestern Pakistan since late November. Organizers have blamed Sunni groups for targeted attacks on Shi'a Muslims in the region, prompting an indefinite blockade affecting Parachinar in Kurram District. Details of ongoing and upcoming events are as follows:
Islamabad: March from Markazi Imambargah in the G-6 Sector to the Press Club
Karachi: Abbas Town, Abul Hassan Isphahani Road, Numaish Chowrangi, Ancholi, and Star Gate areas along Shahrah-e-Faisal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Gulshan-e-Haded, Gulshan-e-Maymar, Korangi, Malir 15 Flyover along National Highway 5, Rizvia Chowrangi in Nazimabad, Surjani Town in North Karachi
Lahore: Lahore Press Club
Additional gatherings and shutdown strikes are likely in the coming days. Potential protest sites include prominent government buildings, monuments, press clubs, public squares, sports grounds, and thoroughfares. Well-attended gatherings could draw a few thousand participants, prompting localized traffic disruptions. Attendees are likely to stage indefinite or daily sit-ins in major cities.
Authorities will likely monitor rallies and impose security restrictions depending on operational needs. Associated transport disruptions are probable. Clashes between police and activists are possible. Officials may impose telecommunications controls, including mobile internet suspensions and restrictions on social media and messaging applications in case of significant violence. Local business closures are possible in Shi'a-dominated neighborhoods during any related shutdown strikes.
Avoid all protests due to the threat of violence. Leave the area immediately for a secure, non-government building if clashes occur. Allow additional travel time near gathering sites. Plan for business disruptions during shutdown strikes. Heed all official transport and security advisories.
