Arson, clashes, chaos: Pakistan gripped by violence as TLP protest turns ugly — Key takeaways
Pakistan faces unrest as police clash with thousands of protesters supporting Palestinians on Monday, leaving at least one officer dead and dozens injured, officials and witnesses said. Punjab police spokesperson Mubashir Hussain confirmed that a police station house officer (SHO) was killed, along with three TLP members.Authorities closed roads and motorways again in and around Lahore and Islamabad, which had started reopening on Sunday. Some schools in Islamabad also closed early amid fears over further violence, according to Dawn.
Major crackdown
On the same day, Pakistan launched a major crackdown on the far-right Islamist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The TLP had started a protest march in Lahore on Friday, planning to reach Islamabad and stage a demonstration outside the US embassy in support of Gaza and Palestine.
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Law enforcement, including Pakistan Rangers and large contingents of police from five districts, were sent to Muridke and surrounded the TLP protest camp.Also read: Pakistan: Roads blocked, mobile internet suspended in Islamabad, Rawalpindi – All you need to know
TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi shot multiple times, remains critical
TLP chief Hafiz Saad Hussain Rizvi was shot multiple times and remains in critical condition, as local media reported on Monday. The group claims over 250 of its workers have been killed and more than 1,500 injured during the clashes, many seriously.
March to Islamabad thwarted
Earlier, TLP supporters had gathered in Muridke to hold an anti-Israel protest. Attempts to march toward Islamabad were stopped twice, with police using force and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Violence broke out
Violence also broke out in Lahore’s Shahdara area, where protesters attacked police facilities, looted vehicles, and damaged property. Several policemen were reported missing amid fears they may have been abducted.
‘Using lethal weapons’
Rizvi accused authorities of “using lethal weapons” against unarmed demonstrators but urged supporters to stay calm, saying he was consulting his party before giving further instructions. He said the march was meant to show solidarity with Palestine and reiterated that “Pakistan should not recognise Israel.”Police also conducted overnight raids across three districts in Sahiwal division, detaining party workers and leaders under Section 3 of the Maintenance of Public Order. Detainees were later moved to central prisons in Pakpattan, Sahiwal, and Okara.
Pak PM hold high-level meet
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a high-level meeting with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to review the internal security situation. Over 1,200 paramilitary personnel were deployed across Punjab to prevent the march from reaching Islamabad.The TLP, known for its hardline religious stance and history of violent protests, was banned in 2021 following clashes over Rizvi’s earlier arrest under anti-terror laws, though the ban was later lifted.The “Gaza March” began Friday after prayers at the party’s Lahore headquarters, drawing thousands of supporters carrying sticks, rods, and bricks while chanting religious slogans.
