TLP Protesters Clash with Police in Lahore as March Toward Islamabad Escalates

LAHORE: Supporters of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) clashed with police at Shahdara Bridge on Friday night as the group continued its march from Lahore towards Islamabad, vowing to hold an anti-Israeli demonstration outside the US Embassy.

Heavy contingents of police and Rangers were deployed across Lahore as containers blocked major entry and exit routes, including Chauburji Chowk and Bund Road. Witnesses said protesters attempted to remove barriers while chanting anti-Israel slogans.

According to Edhi Foundation spokesperson Younis Bhatti, several police officers were injured during the clashes and shifted to hospitals by rescue teams. Meanwhile, TLP spokesperson Usman Naushahi claimed that one protester had died and 22 others were wounded.

The US Embassy in Islamabad issued an advisory earlier in the day, warning American citizens to avoid large gatherings, citing expected protests and potential traffic disruptions nationwide.

‘Mob politics has no place in Pakistan’

Minister of State for Interior Tallal Chaudhry condemned the violence, saying that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, “mob rule has no place in Pakistan.” He accused the TLP of attacking security personnel using slingshots, chemicals, and glass balls embedded with nails, adding that over a dozen police and Rangers officers were injured.

Chaudhry questioned the timing and purpose of the protest, noting that “a peace pact has been reached between Hamas and Israel — even the people of Gaza are welcoming it.” He said the TLP’s actions were damaging Pakistan’s image.

In the National Assembly, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Parliamentary Secretary Asia Ishaq echoed similar sentiments, asking why the TLP was protesting when the conflict’s parties had agreed to peace.

Tight security, internet blackout in twin cities

In anticipation of the group’s arrival, the Ministry of Interior directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend mobile internet services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi starting midnight. Around 500 containers have been placed to seal the Red Zone, while 7,000 law enforcement personnel — including police, Frontier Constabulary, and Rangers — have been deployed.

The Islamabad Traffic Police also announced diversions around Faizabad Interchange, while metro and electric bus services remain suspended.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Home Department imposed Section 144 across the province for ten days, banning public gatherings, rallies, and the use of loudspeakers. The order cited intelligence warnings of possible terror threats targeting religious or political gatherings.

Educational institutions in Lahore and Punjab, including the University of Punjab, announced closures, while the Punjab Public Service Commission postponed scheduled exams.

As night fell, tensions remained high in Lahore and surrounding districts, with the government warning that law enforcement will act firmly against any attempt to enter the federal capital without permission.