• The opposition Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) party is slated to hold citywide demonstrations in Karachi on July 18. The exact locations and timings for the protest remain unspecified as of writing.
• The protest will be held to condemn the alleged rise in the price of petroleum-based products and sugar.

1. The turnout is anticipated to be in the mid-to-high dozens, driven by the broad public appeal of the issue and JI’s mobilization capacity in Karachi. However, participation is likely to be affected by forecasted light to moderate rainfall on July 18. The authorities are nonetheless expected to heighten security around key government installations in line with standard protocol. Measures will likely include deploying additional police personnel and setting up barricades around common protest zones, including the Press Club, Mohammed Ali Jinnah Road, Numaish Chowrangi, and the Sindh Assembly, to monitor and manage the crowds. Besides, the protests are likely to take place after the Friday prayers during afternoon hours (local time) on the day.
2. There remains a latent risk of scuffles between protesters and the authorities, particularly if demonstrators are seen engaging in disruptive actions such as blocking traffic on major thoroughfares or breaching security arrangements. In such scenarios, the authorities are expected to respond with crowd-control tactics, including baton charges and short-term detentions. Disruptions to vehicular traffic are anticipated surrounding potential protest venues due to the expected turnout and associated security arrangements on July 18.

Those operating or residing in Karachi on July 18 are advised to maintain vigilance due to the slated citywide demonstration and associated security measures, while allotting for travel disruptions.