D-Chowk (Islamabad)
D-Chowk, and sometimes referred to as Democracy Chowk or even Insaf Chowk, 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.
| Democracy Chowk | |
Shown within Islamabad Capital Territory | |
| Location | Jinnah Avenue, Islamabad |
|---|---|
| Postal code | 44000 |
| Nearest Rawalpindi-Islamabad Metrobus station | Parade Ground |
| Coordinates | 33.729435798731494°N 73.09334404119988°E |
| Other | |
| Known for | Being a site of numerous political demonstrations and sit-ins |
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. It has now been moved to the Shakarparian Parade Ground.
The square is a frequent venue for political rallies and other public gatherings, and has been likened to Egypt's Tahrir Square. 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. However, political rallies continue to be held there.