Pakistan: Jamaat-e-Islami party plans to protest at Karimabad Chowrangi in Karachi Jan. 23

Event

The Jamaat-e-Islami party is planning a sit-in protest at the Karimabad Chowrangi traffic intersection in Sindh Province's Karachi, Jan. 23. The action is part of a series of demonstrations demanding an improvement in governance and development of the city. Organizers are also pressurizing the federal and provincial governments to conduct a fresh population census for Karachi. Hundreds of people may attend the event. The start time for the demonstration is unclear, though participants are likely to gather from late morning through the evening. Additional demonstrations are likely across Karachi through at least January; most events are likely to pass peacefully.

Security personnel will likely monitor the gathering and may attempt to enforce coronavirus disease (COVID-19) social distancing measures. Police may impose road closures near the rally site; localized transport disruptions are also likely due to roadblocks and marches by demonstrators. Minor clashes between security forces and protesters are possible, especially if police forcibly attempt to disperse crowds. Skirmishes may occur if government supporters hold counterrallies.

Advice

Confirm ground transport arrangements, and allow additional travel time in the affected area Jan. 23. Avoid the protest due to possible skirmishes. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Heed all security personnel instructions.