MURIDKE: A terrorism case has been filed against leaders and workers of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) after violent clashes in Muridke left a police officer dead, dozens injured, and vehicles torched amid widespread chaos on Monday.
According to an FIR lodged at the Muridke City Police Station, TLP activists allegedly attacked police forces during a protest, obstructed official duties, and engaged in large-scale rioting. The case includes serious charges under Sections 6 and 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) 1997 and various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including 302 (murder) and 435 (mischief by fire).
Police said Factory Area SHO Shehzad Nawaz was martyred during the confrontation when protesters opened fire. The mob also set government and private vehicles ablaze, causing extensive damage and panic in the city.
Sub-Inspector Muhammad Saleem Tahir, the complainant, stated that “armed protesters attacked with sticks, stones, and firearms.” Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the site after the clashes. Authorities have since tightened security across Muridke, deploying additional forces and launching raids to arrest those involved.
Meanwhile, confusion surrounds the condition and whereabouts of TLP chief Saad Rizvi, with supporters claiming he was injured and taken away during the clash. No official confirmation has been issued by the police or TLP representatives.
Eyewitnesses reported that parts of the city, including the vegetable market, were set on fire, while several protesters and civilians fell or fled into side streets during the chaos. According to Qadeer, in-charge of THQ Hospital Muridke, about 150 injured persons, including civilians and TLP supporters, were brought to the facility with gunshot wounds. Nineteen critically injured were later shifted to Lahore’s Mayo Hospital.
The violence erupted during the TLP’s long march, where police and Rangers launched an operation to disperse the crowd. Protesters reportedly hurled stones, spiked sticks, and petrol bombs, before opening fire on law enforcement personnel. In response, security forces conducted a limited counter-operation to regain control of the Grand Trunk (GT) Road.
Officials confirmed that at least four people — including a police officer and three civilians — were killed, and 56 others injured, among them 48 police and Rangers personnel. Nearly 40 vehicles were set ablaze during the unrest.
TLP demonstrations quickly spread to Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad, disrupting traffic and daily activities nationwide. In Karachi, protesters blocked roads at several points, pelting stones and damaging vehicles, while in Lahore, TLP-affiliated lawyers demonstrated outside Aiwan-e-Adl, clashing with police and demanding the release of detained workers.
The Lahore Bar Association later announced a strike, condemning the Muridke operation and calling for medical aid for the injured. Major highways and motorways were closed temporarily, forcing travellers to switch to rail transport, which resulted in overcrowded trains and travel delays.
In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, schools and colleges were reopened under strict security after days of closure. Traffic movement largely resumed, though Faizabad and Shamsabad points remained sealed. Courts in Islamabad also faced disruption, with several hearings postponed due to road blockages.
TLP leader Saad Rizvi, 31, succeeded his father, the late Khadim Hussain Rizvi, as the party’s head in 2020. Known for his aggressive mobilization tactics, Rizvi has previously been detained and led several nationwide protests over Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.
By Tuesday evening, calm began to return to Muridke and Sheikhupura, with roads reopening and commercial areas resuming normal activity. However, authorities remain on high alert as investigations continue and further arrests are expected in the coming days.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
