Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) on Friday launched its protest march from Lahore toward Islamabad, vowing to stage a sit-in outside the U.S. Embassy against Israel. The march quickly turned violent as clashes broke out between protesters and police in several areas of Lahore.
Clashes in Lahore
According to News Reports, tensions flared when protesters attempted to remove barricades near Lahore’s Chauburji Chowk.
Edhi Foundation spokesperson Younus Bhatti said multiple police personnel were injured during the clashes and taken to nearby hospitals.
TLP spokesperson Usman Naushahi claimed that one party worker had died and at least 22 others were injured in the confrontation.
Government Response
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry condemned the violence, saying that “mob politics has no place in Pakistan.”
He stressed that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, “it must be exercised under lawful conditions.”
Chaudhry alleged that TLP activists attacked police and Rangers personnel using sticks, chemicals, and nail-filled tennis balls, injuring more than a dozen officers.
“When the people of Gaza themselves are accepting a ceasefire, what purpose does this protest serve?” he questioned.
He further claimed that CCTV footage showed TLP supporters firing shots into the air and vandalizing Safe City cameras.
Islamabad on High Alert
Ahead of the march, authorities in Islamabad imposed strict security measures.
Under Interior Ministry directives, mobile internet services (3G/4G) were suspended in Islamabad and Rawalpindi from midnight on October 9 until further notice.
More than 7,000 security personnel — including police, Rangers, and Frontier Corps — have been deployed across the federal capital.
Traffic police issued diversion plans, while over 500 shipping containers were placed around Red Zone, Faizabad, and other sensitive points.
According to police sources, more than 280 TLP activists were detained in preventive action.
Section 144 Imposed in Punjab
The Punjab Home Department has enforced Section 144 across the province for 10 days, citing intelligence reports about potential threats to public order.
The notification warned that banned groups such as TTP, BLA, and ISIS could attempt to carry out attacks targeting religious or minority figures to incite unrest.
All public gatherings, rallies, and protests have been banned. The order also prohibits displaying weapons, using loudspeakers without permission, and spreading hate material.
In Lahore, Punjab University remained closed, while the Punjab Public Service Commission postponed its exams scheduled for October 11 and 12.
U.S. Embassy Issues Security Alert
Earlier this week, the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad had issued an advisory, warning that protest activity was likely across Pakistan on October 10, urging U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings and remain alert.
