Pakistan: As of Nov. 21, Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf party continues marches from various cities toward Rawalpindi for indefinite sit-in from Nov. 26 /update 4

Event

Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) party activists continue their long march from various cities toward Rawalpindi as of Nov. 21 under its Haqeeqi Azadi movement demanding early elections. PTI leader Imran Khan announced that an indefinite sit-in will begin Nov. 26 in Rawalpindi's Faizabad area, instead of in Islamabad as planned earlier. Khan will lead the main convoy from 13:00 Nov. 26; it will move from the Rawat area of Rawalpindi to Kacheri Chowk and reach Faizabad via Murree Road. Thousands of people have participated in related events from Oct. 28.

The march route and rally sites, as well as event times and dates, could change with little-to-no notice due to law enforcement restrictions. Supporters may hold additional rallies from other cities to the gathering points; demonstrations are possible near prominent public squares, press clubs, government buildings, and roadways if police block marches.

Authorities have already deployed at least 6,000 security personnel in Islamabad as a precaution. Section 144 orders that prohibit unauthorized gatherings of more than four people are active in Islamabad until further notice. Activists may attempt to defy ongoing security measures to hold sit-ins at popular rally sites in the Red Zone, including the National Assembly, Parliament House, and Supreme Court buildings, as well as roadways like D-Chowk. Large gatherings may cause business disruptions due to the threat of violence, precautionary closures, and/or transport disruptions preventing employee movement.

Traffic disruptions are also likely across Islamabad and Rawalpindi until the protest ends. Authorities in Islamabad typically close off most access roads to the Red Zone, which contains key government buildings, as well D-Chowk. Police usually restrict entry into cities, mainly Islamabad. Enhanced security measures are possible and may include the following: military deployment; mass arrests; curtailment of media, transport, and telecommunications services; suspension of fuel supply to protesters' vehicles; and limits on public movement. Authorities may use tear gas and/or water cannons to forcibly disperse crowds if security cordons are breached, leading to clashes. Officials have conducted preemptive detentions of PTI activists ahead of similar marches; any arrests may cause retaliatory protests. Clashes between rival party members, as well as acts of arson and vandalism, cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid all PTI-related gatherings due to possible violence; seek alternative routes to destinations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, especially from Nov. 26. If violence breaks out in the area in which you are operating, leave immediately and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Confirm business appointments, road status, and transport reservations in Islamabad and Rawalpindi; plan for travel delays until the action ends. Monitor local media as organizers could announce or change protest plans on short notice. Carry proper identification documents. Remain nonconfrontational if approached by security personnel for checks. Heed traffic and security advisories.