D-Chowk Dharna

The D Chowk Dharna was a series of protests that took place at D-Chowk, Islamabad, Pakistan, organized by the Save Gaza Campaign.^[3][4][5][6] 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.^[7][8][9]

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.^[10]

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.^[11][12] The driver, identified as a lieutenant in the Pakistan Army and son of a brigadier, was later arrested and handed over to the Military Police for legal proceedings.^[13][14][15]

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.^[9]

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.^[3] Despite these actions, protesters continued their demonstrations, staged sit-ins and announced plans for future protests.^[4][9]

Public response and further actions

The protests gained public attention and support. Various groups including the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) joined the protests.^[16] Protesters organized a hike in Islamabad to demand concrete steps for a ceasefire in Gaza and the establishment of a humanitarian aid corridor.^[8] The protesters also demanded Pakistan to take decisive action for immediate international intervention and increase pressure for an immediate ceasefire.^[7]

Demands by Save Gaza Campaign

1. Prime Minister's Response: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif must respond to letters from Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh, affirming Pakistan's support for their resistance efforts
2. Relief Fleet: The Government of Pakistan must ensure the entry of a relief flotilla into the Gaza through sea route, with assistance from the Save Gaza Campaign.
3. ICJ Involvement: Pakistan should join South Africa in taking action at the ICJ regarding matters related to Gaza.
4. Justice and Compensation: Justice should be provided for those martyred during a sit-in, and the families of the martyrs must receive compensation from the government.
5. Quashing of Cases: Legal cases against the Save Gaza Campaign and Islami Jamiat Talaba must be quashed.
6. Role in Ceasefire: The Government of Pakistan should actively work towards a ceasefire in Palestine and advocate for a ceasefire resolution in the United Nations Security Council.

In a joint video released on Saturday night, Pakistan’s Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, assured that the following demands from the Save Gaza Campaign would be met soon.^[17]

References