MURIDKE, PAKISTAN: The town of Muridke in Punjab’s Sheikhupura district turned into a scene of chaos and tragedy as clashes broke out between law enforcement and Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) workers, leaving multiple people dead and dozens injured. The confrontation, which began late on the night of October 12, followed the TLP’s attempt to march towards Islamabad in solidarity with Gaza.
According to officials and eyewitnesses, police had blocked the main GT Road by digging trenches and erecting barriers to stop the convoy of TLP supporters. When the group was halted, they set up a makeshift camp in Muridke for the night — but what started as a temporary sit-in quickly spiralled into a violent confrontation.
Around 3:30 am, the situation intensified as over 10,000 security personnel — including police, the Frontier Corps, and Punjab Rangers — surrounded the area. Tear gas filled the streets as gunfire echoed through residential neighbourhoods, forcing locals to seek shelter inside their homes. Residents reported hearing continuous firing, while visuals from the scene showed bullet shells, broken glass, and damaged vehicles scattered across the GT Road.
Eyewitnesses said the violence escalated when a trailer from the TLP convoy rammed into a police armoured personnel carrier (APC), after which enraged protesters allegedly assaulted officers. The police responded with gunfire, leading to a deadly exchange that continued for hours.
Authorities later registered several cases against TLP activists under charges of terrorism, murder, and assault. While the TLP claimed that hundreds of its supporters had been killed, police figures reported nine fatalities — including two in Lahore and seven in Muridke — along with three civilian deaths. Official reports also stated that 48 civilians and 110 police personnel were injured during the unrest.
By morning, Muridke’s once-bustling GT Road had turned into a war-like zone. Charred vehicles, broken storefronts, and bullet-riddled walls bore witness to the night’s violence. Residents, still in shock, described the ordeal as “unimaginable,” with many still searching for missing relatives.
The violent turn of events has raised serious questions about protest management, the excessive use of force, and the lack of coordination between law enforcement and civil authorities. As investigations continue, Muridke remains a grim reminder of how quickly tensions can spiral out of control — leaving behind chaos, grief, and unanswered questions.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.