Pakistan: Government employees plan to strike, protest nationwide through early February

Event

Unionized government employees plan to continue holding strikes and protests in Pakistan through at least early February. Government workers have recently protested in multiple cities demanding increases in salaries and denouncing the abolition of pensions. Members plan to hold nationwide work stoppages every Tuesday through Feb. 9; protests are likely during strikes. The highest turnout is likely in Punjab province, where employees plan to hold sit-in protests at the Punjab Secretariat and at all deputy commissioner offices Jan. 26 and Feb. 2. Other protests are probable in the coming days, mainly in urban centers. Popular protest locations include government buildings, public squares, major intersections, and press clubs. Dozens to hundreds of workers may join each event.

Security personnel will likely monitor gatherings and may try to break up more disruptive protests. Demonstrators may block or march along roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions. Although clashes are unlikely, isolated skirmishes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out. While some government services may be affected by the strikes, the impact of the labor action will likely be minimal.

Advice

Avoid protests due to possible skirmishes. If violence breaks out, leave the area and take shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Heed all security personnel instructions. Allow additional travel time near protests.