17 Jan 2021 | 03:21 PM UTC
Pakistan: Activists call for protests in Peshawar and Quetta Jan. 18
Activists plan protests at press clubs in Peshawar and Quetta, Pakistan, Jan. 18. Increased security likely; localized disruptions possible.
Event
Activists plan protest in Peshawar and Quetta Jan. 18. Organizers plan to gather outside Peshawar Press Club from 1000 and at Quetta Press Club from 1400, to demand the central government restore admissions quotas for students from the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) as well as Balochistan. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) claimed that it terminated the quotas due to budget constraints; however, protesters allege that the government is trying to deny education for students from those areas. Dozens to hundreds of people will likely participate in the gatherings.
Security personnel will likely monitor the protests and may try to break up rallies if they are especially disruptive. Skirmishes between security forces and demonstrators are possible, especially if police forcibly disperse protesters. Protesters may block or march along nearby roadways, causing localized transport disruptions.
Advice
Avoid the protests due to potential violence. If skirmishes break out, leave the area immediately. Follow all security personnel instructions. Allow additional travel time near the protest sites.
