D-Chowk Dharna

D-Chowk Dharna
Part of the Israel–Hamas war protests
Date13 May - 22 June 2024
(1 month and 2 weeks)
Location
D-Chowk, Islamabad, Pakistan
Caused byIsrael–Hamas war
MethodsDemonstrations, sit-ins, marches
Parties
Save Gaza Campaign
Islamabad Police
Lead figures

Mushtaq Ahmad Khan

Not disclosed

Casualties and losses
2 killed, 4 injured (in one incident)
Protests resulted in clashes with police and a tragic incident where a car ran over protesters.

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.[14][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.[15] Protesters organized a hike in Islamabad to demand concrete steps for a ceasefire in Gaza and the establishment of a humanitarian aid corridor.[16] The protesters also demanded Pakistan to take decisive action for immediate international intervention and increase pressure for an immediate ceasefire.[17]

References

  1. ^ a b "Mar 26, 2024 | Islamabad police book over 350 for Gaza demo". Dawn Epaper. March 26, 2024.
  2. ^ Bashir, Fahad (March 24, 2024). "'Save Gaza' protesters end Islamabad sit-in, police try to arrest JI Senator Ghani". Aaj English TV.
  3. ^ "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)
  4. ^ Reporter, Staff (June 23, 2024). "'Save Gaza' sit-in ends". Dawn News. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  5. ^ "Pakistanis urge government to take 'decisive action' for Gaza ceasefire, delivery of humanitarian aid". Arab News PK. March 24, 2024.
  6. ^ "Pakistanis organize hike to demand 'concrete steps' for ceasefire in Gaza, aid delivery". Arab News PK. April 21, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c Asghar, Naeem (March 25, 2024). "Gaza protesters, police clash near red-zone". The Express Tribune.
  8. ^ "اسلام آباد کے ڈی چوک کا نام تبدیل، غزہ چوک رکھ دیا گیا".
  9. ^ "May 21, 2024 | Two killed, four injured as car runs over protesters in their sleep". Dawn Epaper. May 21, 2024.
  10. ^ Report, Recorder (May 22, 2024). "Save Gaza Rally: Case registered against driver for running over protestors". Brecorder.
  11. ^ Sohaib, Rija (May 26, 2024). "Military Police Takes Custody of Army Officer For Killing 2 Pro-Palestine Protesters".
  12. ^ "May 25, 2024 | Driver handed over to Military Police after 'Save Gaza' accident". Dawn Epaper. May 25, 2024.
  13. ^ "May 25, 2024 | Driver handed over to Military Police after 'Save Gaza' accident". Dawn Epaper. May 25, 2024.
  14. ^ Bashir, Fahad (March 24, 2024). "'Save Gaza' protesters end Islamabad sit-in, police try to arrest JI Senator Ghani". Aaj English TV.
  15. ^ "PIMA Women Wing Stands in Solidarity with Women of Gaza on International Women's Day".
  16. ^ "Pakistanis organize hike to demand 'concrete steps' for ceasefire in Gaza, aid delivery". Arab News PK. April 21, 2024.
  17. ^ "Pakistanis urge government to take 'decisive action' for Gaza ceasefire, delivery of humanitarian aid". Arab News PK. March 24, 2024.
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