Thousands reach Muridke as Lahore police fail to contain protesters DIG claims 112 policemen injured, several missing during clashes with TLP workers Authorities shut down mobile, internet services amid roadblocks in Islamabad, Rawalpindi.
LAHORE/ISLAMABAD – Thousands of members of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) party began marching towards Islamabad on Saturday after violent clashes with police during anti-Israel protests in Lahore. Several people are reported killed and over 150 others injured during the clashes which erupted on Thursday. Sources said Police arrested more than 100 people following violence in Lahore on Saturday.
The protesters reached Muridke on Saturday as the law enforcement agencies failed to contain the marchers despite roadblocks, clashes and massive crackdown.
The TLP began its protests march in Lahore on Thursday and announced plans to march to the US embassy in Islamabad to voice its opposition to the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after two years of war in Gaza.
The demonstrations turned violent on Friday, with police launching baton charges and firing tear gas at protesters who had pelted them with rocks. Traffic was disrupted in Lahore and in Islamabad with authorities also suspending mobile internet connections and closing major roads. Shipping containers are placed as barriers across major roads in the capital in anticipation of the arrival of the protesters.
The TLP said the protests had originally been organised to oppose the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which Pakistan backed, but was now intended to express solidarity with Palestinians. “We have no demands, apart from showing solidarity with the people of Gaza,” senior TLP member Allama Muhammad Irfan told a wire service as the protesters set off for Islamabad. “We have no idea when we will reach Islamabad, but the government is being brutal with us. We are not negotiating with the government at all,” Irfan said.
According to TLP, several party workers were killed and dozens others injured due to police firing and shelling to stop the protest march.
Lahore Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Faisal Kamran said Saturday that at least 112 policemen were injured and several others are missing following violent protests by a religious-political group that erupted across Lahore three days ago.
He said there is credible information and video evidence suggesting that protesters had taken some police personnel hostage, while widespread vandalism, looting, and destruction of public and private property had been reported.
Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, DIG Faisal Kamran said that the protests began over a nominal issue but quickly turned violent, disrupting law and order across the provincial capital. “Whenever this nation begins to move towards progress and stability, certain groups working on hidden agendas attempt to create unrest. This so-called protest was started on a baseless issue, and instead of dialogue or peaceful negotiation, the organisers resorted to violence,” he said.
The DIG said police and government officials repeatedly tried to engage the leadership of the protesting group through dialogue. “We kept all doors of negotiation open, offering multiple peaceful alternatives, but they refused to cooperate or adopt any course that would protect the city and its citizens,” he added.
According to DIG Kamran, hundreds of police personnel sustained injuries during the violent confrontations, while several remain hospitalized. Some police officials and constables are still missing, and videos circulating on social media show protesters parading injured or captured policemen, he said. “It is deeply regrettable that individuals working to maintain law and order are being held hostage, and the perpetrators are boasting about it online,” he remarked.
He said that the protesters vandalised police stations, government buildings, and public transport infrastructure, including the Shahdara Town Police Station and Orange Line Metro stations. “They climbed onto the Orange Line station, damaging the structure and celebrating as if they had achieved a great victory,” he said, terming the incidents a “complete disregard for the law and public property.”
He added that vehicles belonging to LWMC, WASA, Rescue 1122, and Suthra Punjab were among those destroyed or seized by the mobs. Citizens, he noted, have flooded helplines with reports of snatching, looting, and road blockades. “At Shahdara Town Police Station, 18 motorcycles of on-duty officers were forcibly taken away. These acts are no less than organised robberies,” he said.
The DIG said the protests have paralyzed routine life in Lahore, with citizens unable to reach hospitals, workplaces, or schools due to containers and barricades set up by demonstrators. “Ordinary citizens are the real victims. Roads have been blocked, vehicles damaged, and daily life brought to a standstill,” he lamented.
To a question, he confirmed that over 100 suspects have been arrested so far and that separate FIRs are being registered for each area where vandalism, theft, or attacks on police occurred. “We have complete CCTV and video evidence of their actions, and every individual involved will be held accountable,” he stated.
The DIG emphasized that police, as the frontline force for internal security, are working closely with other state institutions to restore peace. “We have largely cleared the city of these violent elements, and efforts are ongoing to minimize damage and stabilize the situation,” he said. The DIG said, “The right to protest is guaranteed in Pakistan, but violence, vandalism, and looting cannot be tolerated under any circumstance. The police and state institutions are united in protecting the people and maintaining peace, even at the cost of our lives.” He said that the state will continue to engage in dialogue where possible, but those who attack citizens, damage property, or challenge the writ of the state will face strict legal action. “We will not allow anyone to hold the city hostage or disrupt the peace of ordinary citizens,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protest triggered total shutdown in federal capital Islamabad for the third consecutive day on Saturday.
Twin cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi remained under lockdown that began on Thursday, with roads sealed, communication lines cut, and public movement at a standstill. The religio-political party announced an anti-Israel demonstration outside the US Embassy in Islamabad on Friday. Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry said the TLP “did not obtain necessary permits” to hold the rally.
Major arteries in Islamabad were completely sealed. Containers and barriers blocked both major and minor streets with schools, colleges, universities, wholesale markets, and transport hubs remaining shut, leaving the city’s social and commercial life at a standstill. Police checkpoints and patrols were manned throughout the city.
Residents of the capital city faced severe hardships, with patients, and essential service providers struggling to reach their destinations. On Saturday, over 37 points across the twin cities were barricaded with containers, trailers, and barriers, according to the officials. Metro Bus services were also suspended. Police had earlier attempted to arrest TLP chief Saad Rizvi, facing severe resistance.
