The D Chowk Dharna was a series of protests that took place at D-Chowk, Islamabad, Pakistan, organized by the Save Gaza Campaign.[1][2][3][4] The protests were held in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with participants demanding decisive action from the Pakistani government and the international community.[5][6][7]
On the 27th day of the sit-in to express love for Palestine and Gaza, D Chowk was renamed Gaza Chowk. It was appealed to the public that now D Chowk will be written, said and called Gaza Chowk. The board of Gaza Chowk was unveiled.[8]
Major incidents
Car incident
On May 21, 2024, an incident occurred during a protest where a speeding car ran over participants of the protest who were sleeping on a portion of Jinnah Avenue, resulting in two deaths and four injuries, including a police inspector.[9][10] The driver, identified as a lieutenant in the Pakistan Army, was later arrested and handed over to the Military Police for legal proceedings.[11][12][13]
Clashes with Police
Protesters clashed with the police on several occasions. In one instance, protesters attempted to enter Islamabad's red zone, leading to clashes with police. The police lathi-charged the protestors as a result of which some protestors were injured. In response, the protesters pelted stones at the police.[7]
Response from authorities
The Islamabad Police booked over 350 protesters, including former Jamaat-i-Islami senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, on several charges. The allegations included pelting stones at law enforcement officials and threatening them with dire consequences.[1] Despite these actions, protesters continued their demonstrations, staged sit-ins and announced plans for future protests.[2][7]
Public response and further actions
The protests gained public attention and support. Various groups including the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) joined the protests.[14] Protesters organized a hike in Islamabad to demand concrete steps for a ceasefire in Gaza and the establishment of a humanitarian aid corridor.[6] The protesters also demanded Pakistan to take decisive action for immediate international intervention and increase pressure for an immediate ceasefire.[5]
References
- ^ a b "Mar 26, 2024 | Islamabad police book over 350 for Gaza demo". Dawn Epaper. March 26, 2024.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b Bashir, Fahad (March 24, 2024). "'Save Gaza' protesters end Islamabad sit-in, police try to arrest JI Senator Ghani". Aaj English TV.
- ^ "Participants of Save Gaza campaign end Islamabad sit-in". Radio Pakistan. June 22, 2024. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ Reporter, Staff (June 23, 2024). "'Save Gaza' sit-in ends". Dawn News. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
- ^ a b "Pakistanis urge government to take 'decisive action' for Gaza ceasefire, delivery of humanitarian aid". Arab News PK. March 24, 2024.
- ^ a b "Pakistanis organize hike to demand 'concrete steps' for ceasefire in Gaza, aid delivery". Arab News PK. April 21, 2024.
- ^ a b c Asghar, Naeem (March 25, 2024). "Gaza protesters, police clash near red-zone". The Express Tribune.
- ^ "اسلام آباد کے ڈی چوک کا نام تبدیل، غزہ چوک رکھ دیا گیا".
- ^ "May 21, 2024 | Two killed, four injured as car runs over protesters in their sleep". Dawn Epaper. May 21, 2024.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Report, Recorder (May 22, 2024). "Save Gaza Rally: Case registered against driver for running over protestors". Brecorder.
- ^ Sohaib, Rija (May 26, 2024). "Military Police Takes Custody of Army Officer For Killing 2 Pro-Palestine Protesters".
- ^ "May 25, 2024 | Driver handed over to Military Police after 'Save Gaza' accident". Dawn Epaper. May 25, 2024. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
- ^ "May 25, 2024 | Driver handed over to Military Police after 'Save Gaza' accident". Dawn Epaper. May 25, 2024.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "PIMA Women Wing Stands in Solidarity with Women of Gaza on International Women's Day".
Recent Comments