Violent Clashes Erupt as TLP Marches Toward Islamabad: Multiple Deaths Reported in Anti-Israel Protest

Among those injured is TLP chief Saad Rizvi, who reportedly sustained multiple bullet wounds during the confrontation.

Islamabad:

Deadly clashes erupted in Lahore as Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) supporters marched toward Islamabad in an anti-Israel demonstration, resulting in at least one police officer and several protesters killed. The violence effectively paralyzed Lahore as TLP workers engaged in intense confrontations with security forces on Monday.

Punjab Police Chief Usman Anwar confirmed that protesters opened fire on authorities, killing one officer and wounding others. While he did not specify protester casualties, the TLP released a statement claiming numerous supporters were either killed or wounded in the clashes.

Reports indicate TLP leader Saad Rizvi sustained multiple gunshot wounds when authorities opened fire on demonstrators. According to TLP sources, his condition is critical following the incident.

Prior to being reportedly shot, Rizvi appeared in a video shared by TLP on social media platforms, where he could be heard attempting to negotiate with security forces, urging them to cease firing. The sound of gunfire was audible in the background as he addressed his supporters.

Social media footage captured several vehicles, including a truck carrying TLP demonstrators leading the self-proclaimed "long march" that began in eastern Pakistan on Friday, engulfed in flames. The ongoing demonstrations have resulted in escalating violence between authorities and protesters, with police detaining over 100 individuals during Saturday's protest actions.

The demonstrators intended to hold a pro-Palestinian rally outside the United States Embassy in Islamabad. Police reportedly came under fire when they launched an operation to disperse the gathering crowd.

According to Associated Press reporting, Monday's confrontations began when protesters attempted to remove shipping containers placed by police as road barriers. TLP supporters clashed with authorities in Lahore before temporarily setting up camp in nearby Muridke town before continuing their march.

The demonstrations have sparked divided opinions across Pakistan. Some citizens criticized TLP for escalating tensions over Gaza when reports indicated the conflict had concluded, while others accused the government of overreacting by implementing major road blockades before the protests even began.

Pakistan Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry expressed confusion over the weekend regarding TLP's decision to pursue violent demonstrations rather than celebrating the peace developments in Gaza.

TLP rose to prominence during Pakistan's 2018 elections, campaigning primarily on defending the country's blasphemy law, which imposes capital punishment for insulting Islam. Since then, the organization has conducted numerous demonstrations, particularly against incidents of Quran desecration abroad.

The party has organized pro-Palestinian rallies throughout Lahore and other Pakistani cities in recent years. This particular march was planned to proceed toward the US embassy as a show of solidarity with Palestinians.