Australianartandculture at 12:42, 21 April 2021

2021-04-21T12:42:29Z

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{{short description|Series of protests and strikes in Pakistan}}
{{Infobox civil conflict
|title=2021 Pakistani protests
|arrests=2000+<ref name="tribune"/>
|howmany4=
|casualties1=
|casualties2=
|casualties3=
|casualties4=
|fatalities=36<ref name="tribune">{{cite news|url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/2294421/at-least-three-killed-more-than-100-arrested-as-tlp-protest-continues-across-pakistan|publisher=tribune.com.pk|author=|title=At least three killed, more than 100 arrested as TLP protest continues across Pakistan|date=13 April 2021|access-date=13 April 2021}}</ref>
|injuries=500+<ref name="tribune"/>
|damage=
|howmany2=
|buildings=
|detentions=
|charged=
|fined=
|effect=
|effect_label=
|casualties_label=
|notes=
|howmany3=
|howmany1=
|subtitle=
|methods=[[Sit-in]], [[protest]]
|partof=
|image=Protest_TLP_Lahore_April_2021.jpg
|caption=
|date=11 April 2021 to 20 April 2021
|place=Countrywide
|coordinates=
|causes=
|goals=
|status=
|leadfigures4=
|result=
|side1=[[Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan]]

[[Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman]]

[[Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F)|Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam]] (JUI)
|side2=[[Government of Pakistan]]
|side3=
|side4=
|leadfigures1=[[Saad Hussain Rizvi]]
|leadfigures2=[[Imran Khan]]
|leadfigures3=
|sidebox=
}}
The '''2021 Pakistani protests''' was a series of protests and [[strike action|strikes]] in [[Pakistan]] from 11 - 20 April 2021. Mass protests first erupted after a series of calls for nationwide rallies and [[picketing]] against the [[government of Pakistan|government]] of [[Prime Minister of Pakistan|Prime Minister]] [[Imran Khan]] and his cabinet, orchestrated by far-right party [[Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan|Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan]] (TLP) <ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Hashim|first=Asad|title=Pakistan temporarily blocks social media over potential protests|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/16/pakistan-temporarily-blocks-social-media-amid-anti-france-rallies|access-date=2021-04-17|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web|date=2021-04-17|title=Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik fuels anti-France violence in Pakistan|url=https://www.france24.com/en/asia-pacific/20210417-islamist-party-tehrik-e-labbaik-fuels-anti-france-violence-in-pakistan|access-date=2021-04-18|website=France 24|language=en}}</ref> The primary motive was against France's view on [[freedom of speech]] and [[radical Islam]], concerning a blasphemous [[Charlie Hebdo shooting|caricature]] published there and the events surrounding the [[murder of Samuel Paty]], a French middle school teacher. The demonstrators demanded boycott of French goods and the expulsion of the French ambassador<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Pakistan PM Imran Khan asks Western govts to outlaw disrespect for Prophet on lines of Holocaust|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2021/apr/17/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-asks-western-govts-to-outlaw-disrespect-for-prophet-on-lines-of-holocaust-2291255.html|access-date=2021-04-18|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-18|title=Islamist party vows to continue fight to expel French ambassador from Pakistan|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/18/tlp-vows-to-continue-fight-to-expel-french-ambassador-from-pakistan|access-date=2021-04-20|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-18|title=Islamist party vows to continue fight to expel French ambassador from Pakistan|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/apr/18/tlp-vows-to-continue-fight-to-expel-french-ambassador-from-pakistan|access-date=2021-04-20|website=the Guardian|language=en}}</ref>

The protests intensified across [[Pakistan]] after the party's leader [[Saad Hussain Rizvi]] was arrested on 12 April 2021.<ref name="bbc">{{cite news|author=|date=12 April 2021|title=تحریک لبیک کے سربراہ سعد رضوی کی گرفتاری: اسلام آباد، پنڈی میں مظاہروں کے مقامات پر انٹرنیٹ بند، گوجرانوالہ میں مظاہرین سے نمٹنے کے لیے پولیس کبڈی ٹیم میدان میں|publisher=bbc.com|url=https://www.bbc.com/urdu/pakistan-56718427|access-date=13 April 2021}}</ref><ref name="samaa">{{cite news|author=|date=13 April 2021|title=TLP protesters block major Pakistan roads, highways|publisher=samaa.tv|url=https://www.samaa.tv/news/2021/04/protest-causes-massive-traffic-jam-in-karachi/|access-date=13 April 2021}}</ref><ref name="dawn">{{cite news|author=|date=13 April 2021|title=Police constable beaten to death in Lahore as TLP protests against Rizvi's detention continue for 2nd day|publisher=dawn.com|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1618005|access-date=13 April 2021}}</ref> It ended on 20 April 2021 after Rizvi was discharged and when the expulsion of the French envoy was being discussed in the parliament.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":9" />

== Background ==
In October 2020, a teacher was [[Murder of Samuel Paty|beheaded by an Islamist terrorist]] near [[Paris]] reportedly for displaying a cartoon of [[Muhammad]]. [[French President]] [[Emmanuel Macron]] defended [[freedom of expression]] and the rights to publish such cartoons, after which widespread protests took place in Pakistan, with calls to [[boycott]] French products and sever diplomatic ties with France. In November 2020, activists of the [[far-right]] [[Islamist]] [[Political party|party]] Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) blocked an entrance to [[Islamabad]] and demanded the expulsion of French [[ambassador]] from Pakistan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Protests in Pakistan after Islamist leader's arrest {{!}} DW {{!}} 12.04.2021|work=DW.COM|url=https://www.dw.com/en/protests-in-pakistan-after-islamist-leaders-arrest/a-57175939|access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=15 April 2021|title=France urges citizens to leave Pakistan amid anti-French protests|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-56760224|access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref> The protests were called off on 16 November 2020 after the [[Government of Pakistan]] reached an agreement with TLP by seeking more time to discuss the matter in [[Parliament of Pakistan|parliament]].<ref name="dawncop">{{cite news|date=13 April 2021|title=Cop killed, 40 others injured in Lahore as TLP protests against Rizvi's detention continue for 2nd day|language=en|work=DAWN.COM|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1618005|access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref>

== Events ==
After [[President of France|French President]] [[Emmanuel Macron]] took a hardened stance against radical Islamists, the founder of the TLP, [[Khadim Hussain Rizvi]] called on Pakistan to cut diplomatic relations with France, He asked his followers to protest in the streets of Pakistan's capital, [[Islamabad]]. A few days later, he died due to COVID-19, and the protests became more militant under the aegis of his son, [[Saad Hussain Rizvi]] <ref>{{Cite news|last=Bhattacherjee|first=Kallol|date=2021-04-17|title=Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan {{!}} The rally of the radical clerics|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/tehreek-e-labbaik-pakistan-the-rally-of-the-radical-clerics/article34345842.ece|access-date=2021-04-18|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Thousands take to streets in Pakistan in anti-government protest|date=December 13, 2020|agency=Financial Times|url=https://www.ft.com/content/ea8e1a05-9d9a-4183-91bd-5075da408c89}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Why Pakistanis Are Daring to Criticize Their Military|agency=Foreign Policy|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/10/22/why-pakistanis-daring-criticize-their-military-pakistan-protests-imran-khan-pdm/}}</ref>

On 11 April 2021, Saad Rizvi released a video message asking TLP activists to launch protests across Pakistan if the government did not expel the French ambassador from the country by 20 April. On 12 April, after Rizvi was arrested in [[Lahore]] charged under Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 (ATA), which further angered protesters, causing widespread unrest.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Dawn.com|date=2021-04-15|title=Government bans TLP under anti-terrorism law|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1618391|access-date=2021-04-18|website=DAWN.COM|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> <ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5" /> Protests broke out across the country, with TLP activists blocking transport routes and cutting off cities including Lahore, [[Dina, Pakistan|Dina]] , [[Islamabad]], [[Peshawar]] and [[Gujranwala]] from each other.<ref name="dawn2">{{cite news|date=13 April 2021|title=Two killed as violence erupts after TLP chief’s arrest|language=en|work=DAWN.COM|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1617910/two-killed-as-violence-erupts-after-tlp-chiefs-arrest|access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Pakistan: Deadly anti-French protests escalate {{!}} DW {{!}} 13.04.2021|work=DW.COM|url=https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-deadly-anti-french-protests-escalate/a-57187657|access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref> The protests turned violent with reports of stone pelting; at least two people were killed in the riots on 12 April. In addition, TLP claimed that two protesters were shot dead in [[Faisalabad]] and [[Karachi]].<ref name="dawn2" /> Later, a TLP spokesperson said that at least four people were killed, hundreds were injured and thousands were arrested by the police.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|title=Deadly Clashes After Islamist Hardliners Take Police Hostage In Pakistan|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/pakistan-deadly-clashes-after-islamist-group-tlp-takes-police-hostage-in-lahore-2416519|access-date=2021-04-19|website=NDTV.com}}</ref>

On 13 April, one police officer was beaten to death by the [[Riot|rioting]] mob in Lahore, while 40 others were injured. TLP spokesperson Tayyab Rizvi claimed that the number of TLP workers "[[Martyr|martyred]]" in the protests by the second day had increased to 12.<ref name="dawncop2">{{cite news|date=13 April 2021|title=Cop killed, 40 others injured in Lahore as TLP protests against Rizvi's detention continue for 2nd day|language=en|work=DAWN.COM|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1618005|access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref> A spokesperson of Punjab Police confirmed that two cops were killed by the protesters who used clubs, bricks and firearms to attack them.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pakistan news: Pakistan deploys paramilitary forces to quell deadly Islamist protests {{!}} World News - Times of India|language=en|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/pakistan-deploys-paramilitary-forces-to-quell-deadly-islamist-protests/articleshow/82066025.cms|access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref> Paramilitary forces were brought in to assist the local police across various cities including Lahore, Gujranwala, [[Dina, Pakistan|Dina]], [[Rawalpindi]] and [[Bahawalpur]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Pakistan’s paramilitary forces deployed after 4 killed in violent protests|language=en|work=gulfnews.com|url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/pakistans-paramilitary-forces-deployed-after-4-killed-in-violent-protests-1.78492066|access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref> On Sunday, TLP members has taken six security personnel hostage at its headquarters in Lahore.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Clashes in Pakistan after TLP takes several police hostage|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/18/clashes-in-pakistan-after-tlp-takes-several-police-hostage|access-date=2021-04-18|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en}}</ref>

The Pakistan government banned the TLP on 15th April, accusing them of terrorism as their protestors had engaged in street violence and attacked public law enforcers. <ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Banned party TLP's chief Saad Rizvi placed on fourth schedule, assets frozen|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/345893-banned-party-tlp-chief-saad-rizvi-placed-on-fourth-schedule-assets-frozen|access-date=2021-04-18|website=www.geo.tv|language=en}}</ref> However, the ban does not enable the Pakistani government to entirely dissolve the political party, for which it needs a mandate for the [[Supreme Court of Pakistan|Pakistani Supreme Court]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Pakistan has banned TLP. What will happen next? {{!}} SAMAA|url=https://www.samaa.tv/news/2021/04/pakistan-has-banned-tlp-what-will-happen-next/|access-date=2021-04-18|website=Samaa TV|language=en-US}}</ref> Pakistan temporarily banned [[social media]] for four hours on April 16th in an attempt to curb the protests, as the TLP has wide social media penetration.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":2" /> <ref>{{cite news|title=Pakistan blocks social media platforms amid protest crackdown {{!}} DW {{!}} 16.04.2021|work=DW.COM|url=https://www.dw.com/en/pakistan-blocks-social-media-platforms-amid-protest-crackdown/a-57222243|access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref>Later, it banned coverage of the TLP by local media. <ref name=":6">{{Cite web|date=2021-04-16|title=Pakistan briefly blocks social media amid anti-France rally|url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-media-social-media-coronavirus-pandemic-lahore-e9b0c60872d826c34dc2441ca032332b|access-date=2021-04-18|website=AP NEWS}}</ref> On the same day, the Pakistani government released an alleged statement by Saad Rizvi, asking protestors to stand down and peacefully disperse. <ref>{{Cite web|last=Castronuovo|first=Celine|date=2021-04-16|title=Social media temporarily blocked in Pakistan amid anti-France protests|url=https://thehill.com/policy/international/548654-social-media-temporarily-blocked-in-pakistan-amid-anti-france-protests|access-date=2021-04-18|website=TheHill|language=en}}</ref> But several demonstrators expressed their disbelief in the statement, insisting on seeing or hearing it coming from Rizvi himself. <ref name=":6" /> TLP activists in Britain staged a protest near the Pakistan High Commission in [[London]] on 16th April, but were later dispersed by the local police.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-16|title=Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan protests outside Pak mission in London|url=https://www.siasat.com/tehreek-i-labbaik-pakistan-protests-outside-pak-mission-in-london-2124891/|access-date=2021-04-18|website=The Siasat Daily|language=en-US}}</ref> On April 18th, the Pakistani police claimed that the TLP had taken six security personnel hostage, including a senior police officer and two paramilitary soldiers.<ref name=":7" />

== Aftermath and Reactions ==
France advised its citizens and French companies to temporarily leave Pakistan due to the violent protests' strong [[Francophobia|Francophobic]] nature.<ref>{{Cite web|title=France Advises Citizens To Leave Pakistan After Violent Protests|url=https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/france-advises-citizens-to-leave-pakistan-after-violent-protests-2414605|access-date=2021-04-17|website=NDTV.com}}</ref> <ref>{{cite news|last1=Hashim|first1=Asad|title=France tells citizens to leave Pakistan ‘due to serious threats’|language=en|work=www.aljazeera.com|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/15/france-tells-citizens-to-leave-pakistan-due-to-serious-threats|access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Hashim|first1=Asad|title=France tells citizens to leave Pakistan ‘due to serious threats’|language=en|work=www.aljazeera.com|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/15/france-tells-citizens-to-leave-pakistan-due-to-serious-threats|access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref>However, several French nationals refused to leave the country, stating that the threats were from TLP radicals, but not from ordinary citizens.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-17|title='They said they'd protect me': French nationals refuse embassy call to leave Pak|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/they-said-they-d-protect-me-french-nationals-refuse-embassy-call-to-leave-pak-101618651418576.html|access-date=2021-04-18|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> An anonymous Pakistani diplomat speaking to the French newspaper, [[Le Figaro]], said that their country's [Pakistan's] international reputation was deteriorating due the actions of the TLP. <ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Paris appelle les Français à quitter le Pakistan|url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/international/la-france-recommande-a-ses-ressortissants-de-quitter-temporairement-le-pakistan-20210415|access-date=2021-04-18|website=LEFIGARO|language=fr}}</ref> [[Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan|Pakistani Taliban]] came out in support of TLP protesters and stated, "we will make [the government] accountable for every drop of the martyrs' blood."<ref>{{cite news|date=15 April 2021|title=Pakistan to ban religious party after deadly protests nationwide|language=en|work=Arab News|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/1843131/world|access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref>

The Government has reportedly reached an agreement with TLP to end the protests and the government has agreed to table a resolution regarding the expulsion of the French ambassador in the national assembly.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|date=2021-04-20|title=TLP calls off nationwide protests|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2295806/tlp-calls-off-nationwide-protests-as-na-debates-french-envoy-expulsion|access-date=2021-04-21|website=The Express Tribune|language=en}}</ref> As part of the agreement, TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi had been released on the 20th of April, 2021.<ref name=":9">{{Cite web|date=2021-04-20|title=TLP chief Saad Rizvi reportedly released from custody|url=http://tribune.com.pk/story/2295790/tlp-chief-saad-rizvi-reportedly-released-from-custody|access-date=2021-04-21|website=The Express Tribune|language=en}}</ref> TLP member [[Shafiq Amini]] requested all demonstrators to disperse and keep the peace. However, the government refused to lift the ban on the organisation.<ref>{{Cite web|title=TLP calls off Lahore sit-in|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/823289-tlp-calls-off-lahore-sit-in-after-govt-puts-french-envoys-expulsion-to-vote-in-na|access-date=2021-04-21|website=www.thenews.com.pk|language=en}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pakistani protests, 2021}}
[[Category:2021 crimes in Pakistan]]
[[Category:2021 in Islam]]
[[Category:2021 protests]]
[[Category:2021 riots]]
[[Category:April 2021 crimes]]
[[Category:April 2021 events in Asia]]
[[Category:Ongoing protests]]
[[Category:Protests in Pakistan]]
[[Category:Riots and civil disorder in Pakistan]]
[[Category:Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan]]

Anti-French protest in Pakistan - Revision history

Australianartandculture at 12:42, 21 April 2021