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The local Urdu newspaper "Daily AAJ" reported that Jamat-e-Islami will launch protests in Peshawar on Monday, August 14 (Pakistan National Day) against the Government of Pakistan. They are planning rally from the district office of Jamat-e- Islami (JI), located in the downtown area approximately five kilometers away from the Consulate. The route and final destination of this rally are not known at this time.
The Consulate recommends that Americans avoid all National Day celebrations. Driving and traveling within and outside the city should be avoided on August 14, and Americans are advised to keep away from shopping areas beginning at 5 p.m. on August 13 until the morning of August 15th.
Independence Day activities in Peshawar will attract people from all over the province, especially adjacent villages and towns. As a result long traffic jams are likely on major roads (Khyber, Jamrud, University, Saddar, Mall and GT Roads).
Fireworks are expected; and in the past weapons have been fired into the air. Firecrackers have been thrown into open car windows and under vehicles as part of the celebration.
The "Daily AAJ" is also reporting that the JI is calling for a protest rally on August 20, 2006, to condemn the situation in Lebanon.
Peshawar police report that a protest demonstration has been planned by the JI and JUI (F) on August 20 in the area of Hashtnagri near Government High School No 1 and the Chamber of Commerce (in the very close proximity of the main GT Road going to Islamabad). The GT Road will likely be blocked, and Qazi Hussain Ahmed and Maulana Fazlur Rehman are expected to address the demonstrators. The two parties expect turnout to exceed 100,000-150,000 persons.
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