LAHORE – Three civilians were killed and over 150 people injured during an operation in Muridke, Punjab, launched to disperse a procession organised by Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), confirmed Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari.
According to Bokhari, the confrontation began when TLP supporters marching towards Islamabad clashed with police. The situation quickly spiralled out of control, leading to intense violence, torched vehicles, and bystanders caught in the crossfire.
Escalation and Damage
The minister reported that 48 civilians and 110 police personnel were injured, including 18 officers who sustained bullet wounds. Several police vans were set ablaze, while others were stolen by protesters. Bokhari added that the demonstrators brought trolleys loaded with bricks and smoke bombs, turning the area into a war-like zone.
Government’s Stance
In a press briefing, Bokhari displayed videos of luxury watches, gold, and silver allegedly recovered from the residence of a TLP leader. She accused the group of using religion as a cover for political gain and warned that the Punjab government would not allow shrines or graves to be used for mobilising unrest.
She further announced that the bank accounts of those financing such activities had been frozen, and individuals promoting or funding the protest online would face terrorism charges.
Broader Context
The Muridke incident underscores rising tensions in Punjab, where religious activism and political mobilisation increasingly intersect. The government’s hardline response marks a shift towards stricter measures against protest movements perceived as threats to law and order.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.