Violent clashes in Lahore as TLP protesters march toward Islamabad over Gaza conflict; 11 dead in police firing
The protests, initially sparked on Thursday over the Israeli strikes in Gaza, escalated on Saturday as the police deployed tear gas and baton charges to disperse crowds at multiple locations
PTC Web Desk: Lahore witnessed violent clashes on Saturday as the police had a face-off with supporters of the Islamist group Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), who were attempting to march toward Islamabad to hold a pro-Palestinian rally. The TLP accused Punjab police of indiscriminate firing, claiming that 11 of its members were killed and more than 50 injured during the unrest.
In a video circulating online, a TLP leader described the situation amid gunfire: “Continuous shelling and firing is happening. Eleven TLP people have been killed since the morning.”
The protests, initially sparked on Thursday over the Israeli strikes in Gaza, escalated on Saturday as the police deployed tear gas and baton charges to disperse crowds at multiple locations. Protesters retaliated by throwing stones, injuring several officials , and setting fire to police vehicles near Lahore’s Azadi Chowk.
The police erected barricades, deployed shipping containers, and dug trenches to block thousands of TLP demonstrators, led by Saad Rizvi, from advancing toward Islamabad, approximately 370 km from Lahore. The TLP planned to stage their demonstration near the US embassy in the capital.
The US embassy in Pakistan has warned its citizens to avoid large gatherings and remain vigilant due to the unrest.
Saad Rizvi reportedly addressed his supporters during Friday prayers, saying, “Arrest is not a problem, bullets are not a problem, shells are not a problem – martyrdom is our destiny.”
The violence disrupted normal life in Islamabad and Rawalpindi for a second consecutive day, with key roads sealed, businesses and schools closed, and internet services temporarily suspended.
Pakistani Minister Talal Chaudhry accused the TLP of exploiting the Gaza issue for “political gain” and reiterated that the government would not allow any group to use violence or attempt to blackmail the state.
The unrest comes as Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a Gaza peace deal, mediated by US President Donald Trump, highlighting the broader geopolitical context fueling the protests.