D-Chowk Dharna
| D-Chowk Dharna | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Israel–Hamas war protests | |||
| Date | 13 May - 22 June 2024 (1 month and 2 weeks) | ||
| Location | |||
| Caused by | Israel–Hamas war | ||
| Methods | Demonstrations, sit-ins, marches | ||
| Resulted in | Successful Negotiations with Government (See Demands) [1] | ||
| Parties | |||
| Lead figures | |||
| |||
| Casualties and losses | |||
| |||
| 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 held at D-Chowk in Islamabad, Pakistan, organized by the Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, A senior politician in Jamaat-e-Islami and former senator of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan [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
[edit]Car incident
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]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
[edit]- 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
- 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.
- ICJ Involvement: Pakistan should join South Africa in taking action at the ICJ regarding matters related to Gaza.
- 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.
- Quashing of Cases: Legal cases against the Save Gaza Campaign and Islami Jamiat Talaba must be quashed.
- 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]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Participants of Save Gaza Campaign end sit-in at D-Chowk Islamabad after 41-days after successful negotiations with Mohsin Naqvi". Sabah News. June 22, 2024.
- ^ "Founder of Save Gaza Campaign Visits Karachi Press Club". Karachi Press Club. April 7, 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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". 8 June 2024.
- ^ "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".
- ^ Hamza, Ali (June 24, 2024). "Save Gaza Campaign finishes Islamabad sit-in after negotiations with interior minister". The Nation.
