Lahore remained tense on Thursday following violent overnight clashes between police and the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), which left several people injured, including around a dozen policemen. The unrest erupted after the TLP announced plans to march toward Islamabad to stage a protest outside the US embassy in solidarity with Palestinians.
In response, authorities launched a crackdown to prevent the march, sealing the TLP headquarters on Multan Road with shipping containers and blocking major entry and exit points to the city. Similar preventive measures were taken in Islamabad, where containers were placed at entry points and more than 100 TLP supporters were detained.
After the earlier clashes, the TLP leadership urged supporters to gather in Lahore for a “final call” on Friday, heightening police concerns about potential violence. Heavy security deployments were made across Punjab, causing significant inconvenience to residents, especially in areas from Chauburji to Yateem Khanna Chowk.
Multan Road remained completely closed as TLP workers built makeshift barricades and confronted law enforcement. Sporadic clashes resumed Thursday afternoon, leading to property damage, vandalism, and more injuries.
While the TLP claimed at least two of its workers were killed and 50 injured, police confirmed only one death and reported seven wounded protesters.
More than a dozen policemen were also injured. Authorities have registered a case under anti-terrorism laws against hundreds of TLP members, including chief Saad Rizvi.
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry accused the TLP of inciting unrest under the guise of a “Gaza March,” alleging that detained individuals were armed with weapons and riot gear. He said the group’s actions showed violent intent, calling it a “mercenary-like organisation” misusing religion to create chaos and distract from pressing national security concerns.
