In recent months Pakistan has been coping with a deteriorating economic situation, an escalating terror threat and increasing political instability. Against that background, the recent arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan has triggered well attended protests in all major urban centres across the country. In many locations the protests have resulted in clashes between protesters and security forces. The unrest has led to transport disruption and poses heightened incidental risks.
Large-scale protests, which the security forces are likely to attempt to disperse, the associated unrest and violence, and increased security measures will continue to occur in all major cities over the next 48 hours.
The duration of the arrest, which at this stage remains unclear, will have a direct impact on the scale and intensity of protests. The situation will likely remain volatile while Khan remains in custody.
Our advice for Inbound business travellers to Pakistan is to defer non-essential inbound travel over the coming days.
For organisations with operations and employees in Pakistan, our current advice is:
We encourage our clients to sign up for our latest situational alerts via email, through the Assistance App, or via our Online Portal.
To hear our recent assessment on the multiple crises the country is facing and the likelihood of further civil unrest this year visit our podcast page.
For media queries please refer to our media contacts page and contact the relevant media contact.
Large-scale protests, which the security forces are likely to attempt to disperse, the associated unrest and violence, and increased security measures will continue to occur in all major cities over the next 48 hours.
The duration of the arrest, which at this stage remains unclear, will have a direct impact on the scale and intensity of protests. The situation will likely remain volatile while Khan remains in custody.
Our advice for Inbound business travellers to Pakistan is to defer non-essential inbound travel over the coming days.
For organisations with operations and employees in Pakistan, our current advice is:
- Minimise non-essential movement for the next 24 hours.
- Liaise with local contacts and/or dedicated security provider to ascertain feasibility of movement and for information on any demonstrations in your area
- Maintain flexible itineraries. Anticipate a heightened security force presence in central areas of main urban centres in the coming hours. Follow all official directives.
- Monitor our Pakistan alerts for updates.
We encourage our clients to sign up for our latest situational alerts via email, through the Assistance App, or via our Online Portal.
To hear our recent assessment on the multiple crises the country is facing and the likelihood of further civil unrest this year visit our podcast page.
For media queries please refer to our media contacts page and contact the relevant media contact.