Mass Protests Erupt Across Pakistan as TLP Supporters March Toward Islamabad

Lahore/Islamabad, Oct. 12 — Widespread protests broke out across Pakistan on Saturday after members of the hardline Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) began a mass march toward Islamabad, sparking violent clashes with police in Lahore. The escalating unrest prompted authorities to block major roads leading to the capital and temporarily suspend internet services, according to Dawn.

A senior police official told AFP that around 50 officers were injured during Friday’s clashes, while TLP claimed that several of its members were killed, though the figures could not be independently verified.

The protests began Friday afternoon after prayers, with thousands of supporters gathering at the TLP headquarters on Multan Road in Lahore for what the group called the “Gaza March.” Led by TLP chief Saad Rizvi, the procession drew large crowds chanting religious slogans and carrying sticks and bricks.

Police attempted to stop the rally by erecting barricades and firing tear gas at key intersections, including Yateem Khana Chowk, Chauburji, Azadi Chowk, and Shahdara, but protesters broke through the blockades and continued advancing toward Islamabad. Eyewitnesses reported that some demonstrators pelted stones at security forces and occupied sections of the Orange Line Metro track, injuring several police officers.

Social media footage showed protesters seizing government vehicles, including cranes belonging to the Lahore Waste Management Company and Punjab Police. In Azadi Chowk, violence intensified as police vehicles were damaged and more officers sustained injuries. Videos circulating online showed law enforcement firing tear gas and warning shots to disperse the crowd, while some officers were seen retreating to safety.

Lahore Police confirmed multiple injuries among their personnel, while TLP claimed that many of its workers were injured and some killed in police firing, allegations that remain unverified.

In the aftermath, Lahore’s Anti-Terrorism Court remanded 110 TLP activists into 12 days of police custody, accusing them of attacking officers and damaging public property during the riots. According to an FIR filed at the Nawan Kot Police Station, the accused opened fire on security personnel and engaged in violent conduct.

Pakistan’s Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry condemned the violence, accusing TLP of exploiting “issues of corruption for political gain.” Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, he said, “Peaceful protest within a democratic and constitutional framework is a legitimate right. But the government will not tolerate violence, coercion, or blackmail by any group.”

The TLP, a hardline Islamist party founded in 2015, has repeatedly clashed with authorities over religious and political disputes. Known for organizing massive street demonstrations that have paralysed major Pakistani cities, the group’s confrontations have frequently turned violent.

As of late Friday, tensions remained high across Punjab province, with authorities deploying heavy security along routes to Islamabad to prevent further escalation.