In late‑night 12 October, Islamabad saw a surge of protesters from the Tehreek‑i‑Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) as they marched in support of Palestinians. The dynamic came after Israel sealed a ceasefire and hostage deal for Gaza, a move that triggered the TLP’s “Gaza March” from Lahore toward the capital.
The march began Friday after Friday prayers at the TLP headquarters on Multan Road, Lahore. Thousands of supporters followed Saad Rizvi, the party chief, chanting slogans and carrying sticks, rods, and bricks. Police set up barricades at busy intersections such as Yateem Khana Chowk, Chauburji, Azadi Chowk, and Shahdara. Even so, the crowd breached the barriers and continued heading north.
Tensions flared in Lahore when protesters entered parts of the Orange Line Metro track and hurled stones at security forces, injuring several officers. Social media videos show demonstrators commandeering government vehicles, including cranes from the Lahore Waste Management Company and Punjab Police. At Azadi Chowk, the clash intensified: police used tear gas and warning shots, while some officers retreated for safety. Multiple officers were reported injured, and the TLP claimed some of its members were hurt, though independent verification was pending.
On the next day, an anti‑terrorism court in Lahore detained 110 TLP activists for 12 days on charges of assaulting officers and damaging public property. The police filed an FIR accusing the group of opening fire on law enforcement, marking a crackdown on the protest’s violence.
Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry warned that the government would not tolerate “blackmail” or mob violence, though he upheld the right to peaceful protest within Pakistan’s democratic framework.
The TLP, a hard‑line Islamist party founded in 2015, has repeatedly sparked large‑scale street protests that often cripple major Pakistani cities. With heavy security along the main routes to Islamabad, authorities remain on high alert as tensions persist across Punjab.
Source: aninews
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