Built in 2011, Islamabad's Democracy Chowk, better known as D Chowk, has become a symbol of political expression and social activism, not just in Pakistan but globally.
Located at the intersection of Jinnah Avenue and Constitution Avenue, the iconic square has witnessed everything from parades to historic protests, earning its place in the heart of the nation's political discourse.
Originally designed as a parade ground and inspired by Islamic architectural elements, D Chowk hosted grand events such as Independence Day cultural shows and Pakistan Army parades.
After the parade ground shifted to Shakarparian, the square began to serve as a venue for concerts, public gatherings, and eventually, large-scale protests.
Its proximity to Parliament House, the Supreme Court, and the Prime Minister's Office made it a natural focal point for public demonstrations.
Over the years, D Chowk has been a stage for many notable figures. From Benazir Bhutto's cultural shows to fiery addresses by Nawaz Sharif, Asghar Khan, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and Imran Khan, the square has been a platform for leaders across the political spectrum.
The area was declared part of Islamabad's "red zone" in 2016, barring protests due to heightened security concerns, though this has done little to deter its symbolic use for political expression.
Protests at D Chowk have shaped Pakistan's history. In July 1980, Tehreek Jafaria held the first major sit-in, demanding their rights under Mufti Jafar Hussain's leadership.
Later, significant protests included Nawaz Sharif's rally marking General Ziaul Haq's death anniversary in 1989, the lawyers' movement for Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry's restoration in 2009, and Imran Khan's record-breaking 126-day sit-in against electoral rigging in 2014.
Tragic events have also defined the square's legacy. The 2014 sit-in, led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Awami Tehreek, ended following the Army Public School (APS) tragedy. In 2016, protests on Mumtaz Qadri's death anniversary further cemented D Chowk as a hub for sensitive national issues.
In recent years, D Chowk has continued to play a pivotal role in political movements.
In 2022, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) held a rally against inflation, coining the phrase "Kanpain Tang Gaye," now etched in public memory.
This year, in May 2024, the square was temporarily renamed "Gaza Chowk" during a three-week sit-in supporting Palestine.
The PTI's November 2024 rally marked the latest in a series of protests, leaving financial repercussions still being debated.
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