D-Chowk Dharna Explained

D-Chowk Dharna
Partof:the Israel–Hamas war protests
Date:13 May - 22 June 2024
(1 month and 2 weeks)
Place:D-Chowk, Islamabad, Pakistan
Causes:Israel–Hamas war
Methods:Demonstrations, sit-ins, marches
Result:Successful Negotiations with Government (See Demands) [1]
Side1:Save Gaza Campaign
Side2:
Leadfigures1:
Leadfigures2:
Casualties1:2 killed, 4 injured (in one incident)
Arrests:Over 350 protesters booked
Notes: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.[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]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: June 22, 2024 . Participants of Save Gaza Campaign end sit-in at D-Chowk Islamabad after 41-days after successful negotiations with Mohsin Naqvi . Sabah News.
  2. News: April 7, 2024 . Founder of Save Gaza Campaign Visits Karachi Press Club . Karachi Press Club.
  3. Web site: Mar 26, 2024 | Islamabad police book over 350 for Gaza demo. March 26, 2024. Dawn Epaper.
  4. Web site: 'Save Gaza' protesters end Islamabad sit-in, police try to arrest JI Senator Ghani. Fahad. Bashir. March 24, 2024. Aaj English TV.
  5. News: June 22, 2024 . Participants of Save Gaza campaign end Islamabad sit-in . live . June 24, 2024 . Radio Pakistan.
  6. News: Reporter . Staff . June 23, 2024 . 'Save Gaza' sit-in ends . June 24, 2024 . Dawn News.
  7. Web site: Pakistanis urge government to take 'decisive action' for Gaza ceasefire, delivery of humanitarian aid. March 24, 2024. Arab News PK.
  8. Web site: Pakistanis organize hike to demand 'concrete steps' for ceasefire in Gaza, aid delivery. April 21, 2024. Arab News PK.
  9. Web site: Asghar . Naeem . March 25, 2024 . Gaza protesters, police clash near red-zone . The Express Tribune.
  10. Web site: اسلام آباد کے ڈی چوک کا نام تبدیل، غزہ چوک رکھ دیا گیا . 8 June 2024 .
  11. Web site: May 21, 2024 | Two killed, four injured as car runs over protesters in their sleep. May 21, 2024. Dawn Epaper.
  12. Web site: Save Gaza Rally: Case registered against driver for running over protestors. Recorder. Report. May 22, 2024. Brecorder.
  13. Web site: Military Police Takes Custody of Army Officer For Killing 2 Pro-Palestine Protesters. Rija. Sohaib. May 26, 2024.
  14. Web site: May 25, 2024 | Driver handed over to Military Police after 'Save Gaza' accident. May 25, 2024. Dawn Epaper. June 9, 2024. July 7, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230707211438/https://epaper.dawn.com/DetailNews.php. dead.
  15. Web site: May 25, 2024 | Driver handed over to Military Police after 'Save Gaza' accident. May 25, 2024. Dawn Epaper.
  16. Web site: PIMA Women Wing Stands in Solidarity with Women of Gaza on International Women's Day.
  17. Web site: Hamza . Ali . June 24, 2024 . Save Gaza Campaign finishes Islamabad sit-in after negotiations with interior minister . The Nation.

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