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.[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]

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
Lead figures

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.

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. "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. 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. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved June 9, 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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