Islamabad, Pakistan

What:

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced a public gathering in Islamabad on 23 March. The announcement was made by PTI leader Sher Afzal Marwat during the party’s demonstration in Islamabad on 10 March.

Why:

The announcement follows the nationwide protests planned by the PTI on 10 March against alleged irregularities in the general elections conducted on 08 February and theft of mandate. PTI leaders Salman Akram Raja and Sadar Khosa, as well as various PTI supporters, were arrested during the protests on 10 March.

So What:

• Sher Afzal Marwat announced that the party intends to approach the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad to seek permission for the public gathering.
• Heightened security measures can be anticipated at government buildings, transport hubs, offices of political parties, and public squares. Prohibitory measures like imposition of section 144 can be expected.
• Traffic restrictions and disruptions can be expected.
• Clashes between participants of the gathering and police authorities leading to arrests cannot be ruled out.

Outlook:

The public gathering announced by PTI on 10 March is likely to be attended by a significant number of supporters. Demonstrations by PTI supporters to protest the alleged electoral rigging and demand the release of supporters arrested during the nationwide protest on 10 March can be expected. Political tensions between the PTI and the coalition government between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) are expected to continue. Organizations are advised to remain updated on the political situation and protests planned and prepare appropriate contingency plans.