Pakistan: Pakistan Day March 23; Super League matches March 20-25

Event

Pakistan Day will be observed nationwide on Friday, March 23. Heightened security measures and traffic disruptions are expected in Islamabad and Rawalpindi in advance of the Pakistan National Day Parade 2018 at the Parade Ground on March 23. Notably, Islamabad police have installed security cameras along the parade route, and the Islamabad Expressway and Faizabad Interchange will be closed on Wednesday, March 21, and Friday, March 23, to prepare for the event. Pillion riding (driver and passenger) on motorcycles is also banned in Islamabad from March 21 to March 23, as well as aerial gun firing, wedding ceremonies, and other major social activities from March 15 through March 23. Several recreational areas will be closed in Islamabad on Pakistan Day. A heightened police presence is expected along the parade route, as well as traffic diversions in the surrounding areas.

On a separate note, the Pakistan Super League elimination games are scheduled to be held in Lahore on Wednesday, March 20, and Thursday, March 21, and the final in Karachi on Sunday, March 25. Specifically, a heightened security presence is expected at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport (KHI), at National Stadium, on the route from the airport to National Stadium, and at hotels. Police have said that road closures are to be implemented during the final match; Hassan Square, New Town, and Dalmia road will reportedly be closed to traffic.

Context

Pakistan Day is a nationwide holiday annually observed on March 23, celebrating the passage of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940 (which called for the establishment of independent states in northwestern and eastern British India in which Muslims would be in a majority), and the adoption of the first constitution of Pakistan on March 23, 1956. The celebrations notably include a military and civilian parade in the capital, Islamabad.

The Pakistan Super League is a professional Pakistani cricket league founded in 2015.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant, avoid all large gatherings and demonstrations due to the threat of militant violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

More generally, due to the high threat of terrorism and other forms of violent crime, individuals in Pakistan are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities (their diplomatic mission or security manager). Travel to the country should only be considered with proper security protocols in place.