ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has accused the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) of planning a so-called “Gaza March” not to show support for Palestinians, but to provoke violence and disturb public order across the country.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Chaudhry said the government fully supports peaceful demonstrations conducted under legal rules and standard operating procedures (SOPs). However, he claimed that the TLP neither sought permission nor gave any guarantee of peaceful conduct before announcing its rally
“Was the TLP planning a protest or plotting violence? I’ll show you the difference,” he said.
The minister revealed that law enforcement agencies in Punjab and Islamabad had arrested several individuals allegedly linked to the TLP who were carrying batons, chemicals, glass bottles, tear gas shells, and face masks. These discoveries, he said, clearly indicated the group’s violent intentions rather than a peaceful protest.
Chaudhry further alleged that TLP’s activities were aimed at diverting attention from key national security matters, recalling that the group had announced a similar march even during India’s aggression in the past.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s strong and consistent support for Palestine, Chaudhry said the nation had raised the Gaza issue at every international forum, sent humanitarian aid, admitted Palestinian students, and even joined global peace initiatives, including one launched by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
“While the world celebrates progress toward peace, TLP is trying to spread chaos instead of joy,” he remarked.
He criticized the party’s “slogan politics,” saying that while TLP shouts “Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah (S.A.W)”, it spreads hatred and incitement through its actions.
Chaudhry urged the group to demonstrate real solidarity with Gaza by sending food and medicine instead of carrying sticks and chemicals. He questioned whether the funds collected under Gaza’s name were used to help victims or purchase weapons.
The minister made it clear that all state institutions are united in preserving peace and will not allow any violent marches in the country.Concluding his statement, Chaudhry said:
“Palestinians need peace, not political drama. If Hamas can accept a peace deal, why can’t protesters in Pakistan? The government will not allow anyone to exploit Gaza’s name for unrest.”
