Pakistan’s political climate grew increasingly tense overnight as Punjab Police launched a sweeping operation against demonstrators from the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The crackdown in Muridke triggered intense clashes between law enforcement and TLP supporters, resulting in several injuries and chaos along the group’s protest route.
According to officials, police fired tear gas and used baton charges to disperse the marchers, who continued their movement from Lahore despite multiple blockades. The protest, led by TLP chief Saad Hussain Rizvi, was initially organized to denounce Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and demand stronger government action in support of Palestine.
Eyewitnesses reported that Pakistan Rangers were also deployed, leading to accusations from protesters that paramilitary forces had used live ammunition. Several demonstrators claimed that the security forces used “sophisticated weapons” during the operation, intensifying public outrage.
No Signs of Retreat
Despite the heavy police presence, the TLP leadership remains defiant. Party representatives have shown no indication of calling off their march toward Islamabad, with hundreds of protesters setting up camps in Muridke over the weekend.
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The latest clashes come after days of escalating unrest across Punjab province. Earlier in Lahore, at least 11 TLP members were reportedly killed and more than 50 injured when police attempted to halt their movement toward the capital.
A video circulating online captured scenes of gunfire and confusion as a TLP leader stated, “Since morning, 11 of our members have been martyred. Firing and shelling continue non-stop.”
Protests Intensify Amid Gaza Conflict
The demonstrations began on October 9, soon after fresh Israeli air raids in Gaza, but violence surged two days later as protesters clashed with police. Officers were seen firing tear gas shells, while demonstrators hurled stones in retaliation.
Local media confirmed that dozens of police personnel were also injured in the confrontations.
Addressing followers during Friday prayers in Lahore, TLP chief Saad Rizvi declared, “Arrest is not a problem, bullets are not a problem, martyrdom is our destiny.”
Government’s Firm Stance
Information Minister Talal Chaudhry condemned the unrest, accusing the TLP of exploiting the Gaza crisis for political leverage. He stressed that the government would not tolerate violence or any attempts to pressure the state through force.
As talks with the group’s leadership began in Lahore, authorities partially restored mobile internet services in Rawalpindi and Islamabad after earlier suspensions due to security concerns.
Meanwhile, around 170 individuals linked to the TLP were detained in Sahiwal Division under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Act, according to Dawn newspaper.
Heavy Police Deployment and Roadblocks
Officials confirmed that law enforcement agencies halted TLP supporters twice from advancing beyond Muridke on Sunday. Thousands of police officers from four districts were deployed to contain the procession, while authorities dug trenches and placed containers to block the main routes toward Islamabad.
The demonstrators have since established a sit-in, vowing to continue their march until the government meets their demands related to Gaza and what they call “Pakistan’s silence” on Israel’s actions.
Regional Context
The unrest coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the Israel-Hamas conflict, with reports suggesting that a preliminary peace arrangement—brokered by the United States—is being discussed.
Analysts warn that Pakistan’s internal instability, fueled by the TLP’s street power and the charged atmosphere surrounding the Gaza crisis, could complicate the government’s ability to manage both domestic and foreign policy challenges in the days ahead.
