| Democracy Chowk | |
&sq=Google&lang=en&file=File:Pakistan_Islamabad_Capital_Territory_adm_location_map.svg)  Shown within Islamabad Capital Territory | |
| Location | Jinnah Avenue, Islamabad |
|---|---|
| Postal code | 44000 |
| Nearest Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus station | Parade Ground |
| Coordinates | 33°43′46″N 73°05′36″E / 33.729435798731494°N 73.09334404119988°E |
| Other | |
| Known for | Being a site of numerous political demonstrations and sit-ins |
D-Chowk, and sometimes referred to as Democracy Chowk, recently renamed by public as Gaza Chowk[1], is a large town square located on the junction of Jinnah Avenue and Constitution Avenue in Islamabad, Pakistan. It is located in the government district, close to several important government buildings: the Presidency, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Parliament, and the Supreme Court.[2]
The square used to be a popular recreational area for the local people. After the shift of venue from Rawalpindi's Race Course, the Pakistan Day Parade used to be here for several years.[3] It has now been moved to the Shakarparian Parade Ground.[4]
The square is a frequent venue for political rallies and other public gatherings,[5] and has been likened to Egypt's Tahrir Square.[2] Since the square is a junction on two major roads, such meetings have repeatedly paralyzed traffic in Islamabad.
In April 2016, the government decreed that the square should be rebuilt to make it a no-go area for protesters.[6] However, political rallies continue to be held there.[7]
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
:3was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ a b Mahmood, Faiqa (2014-09-24). "Why Pakistan's D Chowk Is No Tahrir Square". Foreign Policy. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
- ^ Shahzad, Mirza Khurram (2016-04-12). "Footprints: The D chowk that was". Dawn. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
- ^ Chaudhry, Muhammad Asad (2016-04-09). "Govt dismantles D-Chowk, new structure on site to be introduced soon". Daily Times. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
- ^ "D-Chowk hosts Pakistan's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations". Pakistan Today. 2022-08-13. Retrieved 2023-04-25.
- ^ "'D-chowk' Dilemma". The Nation. 3 April 2016. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
- ^ Khan, Azam (2016-11-01). "PTI's Nov 2 'lockdown' changed to 'thanksgiving' rally in Islamabad". Dawn. Retrieved 2023-04-25.