Islamabad, Pakistan – Large‑scale protests erupted on Friday night as the far‑right Tehreek‑i‑Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) marched from Lahore toward Islamabad. The move, called the Gaza March by the group, sparked violent clashes with police and forced authorities to shut down key roads and suspend internet services in the capital.
The march began after Friday prayers at the TLP headquarters on Multan Road, Lahore. TLP chief Saad Rizvi led thousands of supporters, many chanting religious slogans and carrying sticks, rods and even bricks. Police set up barricades and fired tear gas at major intersections including Yateem Khana Chowk, Chauburji, Azadi Chowk and Shahdara. The protesters broke through the barriers, pushing further toward Islamabad.
Eyewitnesses reported that TLP supporters occupied parts of the Orange Line Metro track and threw stones at security forces, injuring several officers. Social media videos show the crowd hijacking government vehicles – cranes belonging to the Lahore Waste Management Company and Punjab Police – and using them in the procession. Clashes at Lahore’s Azadi Chowk turned intense; police vehicles were damaged and many officers were hurt. Footage posted online shows law enforcement firing tear gas and warning shots, with some officers retreating for safety.
Lahore police said dozens of officers were injured while the TLP claimed many of its members were also hurt, alleging that some were killed in police firing – claims that have not been independently verified. In response, an anti‑terrorism court in Lahore remanded 110 TLP activists to police custody for 12 days for allegedly attacking officers and damaging public property. The FIR filed by Nawankot Police accuses the group of opening fire and using violence against law enforcement.
Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry accused the TLP of exploiting corruption for political gain, warning the government would not tolerate violence or blackmail. “Peaceful protest within the democratic and constitutional framework is a constitutional right,” Chaudhry said to reporters in Islamabad. “But there is no space for groups to blackmail others, use mobs, or resort to violence to achieve their demands.”
The TLP, a hard‑line Islamist party founded in 2015, has frequently clashed with authorities over religious and political issues. Its large‑scale street protests often paralysed major Pakistani cities. By late Friday night, tensions remained high across Punjab, with heavy security along the main routes to Islamabad to prevent further escalation. ()
Source: aninews
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