LAHORE, PAKISTAN: The Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) march reached Muridke on Saturday, triggering violent clashes between protesters and police that left at least 40 officers injured and pushed Punjab’s security apparatus into high alert.
According to reports, the confrontation began when security forces attempted to block the advancing TLP procession heading toward Islamabad, part of the group’s protest campaign against the recent U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire, which the party has condemned as unjust. The situation quickly spiraled, with intense exchanges of stones, tear gas, and baton charges in the Shahdara and Muridke areas.
TLP sources claimed that over 10 workers were killed in the clashes, though authorities have yet to verify the figure. Police officials, meanwhile, confirmed that dozens of officers sustained injuries, and heavy reinforcements were deployed to prevent the marchers from entering the federal capital.
Major entry routes to Islamabad have now been sealed off with containers and barriers, while the Islamabad Police assured that most internal routes remain open except Faizabad, where heightened security and roadblocks have slowed traffic. Reports also indicate mobile internet services being partially suspended in sensitive areas to curb unrest.
The TLP launched its march from Lahore on Thursday, vowing to press forward in solidarity with Palestinians and to protest what it calls the “failure of global leadership” in Gaza. As the standoff intensifies, the provincial government faces the mounting challenge of containing the movement without further bloodshed.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.