Pakistan: Heightened security reported in Lahore December 12

Event

According to authorities, at least ten platoons and two companies of Paramilitary rangers have been deployed in Lahore on Thursday, December 12, to prevent mob violence amid ongoing strikes and tensions between lawyers and doctors' associations. A heightened security presence have been reported around the Governor's House, the area surrounding GOR-I and GOR-II, GPO Chowk, Mall Road; the Punjab Assembly, the Supreme Court Registry, the Lahore High Court, the Civil Secretariat, Aiwan-e-Adal, the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC), and the Inspector General's office.

A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are expected across the city. Related protests are likely over the coming hours, days.

Context

Lawyers reportedly attacked doctors and vandalized the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) and set a police vehicle on fire on Wednesday, December 11. Following the incident, the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) and doctors' associations both called for a strike on December 12.

Advice

Individuals in Lahore are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all public gatherings as a precaution, budget additional time for travel in above-mentioned areas, confirm doctor's appointments, to anticipate longer waiting times in medical facilities for the duration of the strike, and anticipate transportation and business disruptions near protest sites, as well as a heightened security presence.