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TLP March Reaches Muridke Amid Clashes; Dozens Injured as Police Tighten Islamabad Security
TLP’s pro-Palestine march reaches Muridke after violent Lahore clashes injure 40 police. Authorities seal major routes, cut mobile services, and boost security in Islamabad & Rawalpindi.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-10-11
TLP March Reaches Muridke Amid Clashes; Dozens Injured as Police Tighten Islamabad Security

Supporters of Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) reached Muridke on Saturday afternoon as they continued their march toward Islamabad to stage a protest in solidarity with Palestinians, amid violent clashes and widespread disruptions.

According to reports, confrontations between TLP supporters and police erupted in Lahore’s Shahdara area earlier in the day, leaving at least 40 police personnel injured. The TLP, however, claimed that more than 10 of its workers were killed in the clashes — a claim that has not been independently verified.

The protest march, which began in Lahore on Thursday, was initially announced as a demonstration against the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas following two years of conflict in Gaza. Violence escalated on Friday when police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse demonstrators pelting stones, AFP reported.

Capital on Lockdown

In anticipation of the TLP’s arrival, Islamabad and Rawalpindi witnessed sweeping security measures for a second consecutive day. Authorities blocked key routes with shipping containers, suspended mobile internet services, and diverted traffic across major arteries connecting the twin cities.

According to a notification by the Islamabad Traffic Police, the entry of all heavy vehicles into the capital has been suspended until further notice. “Traffic diversions are being implemented due to the law and order situation in Islamabad’s Faizabad area, and commuters are advised to use alternative routes,” the statement said.

Residents have complained of severe traffic jams, communication blackouts, and long travel delays. Shazia Tahir, a resident of Islamabad, told Dawn.com that her 20-minute commute to Radio Pakistan took over an hour due to multiple road closures.

Mobile internet and communication disruptions have also been reported, particularly in the Blue Area and adjoining sectors. Journalist Fauzia Kulsoom said mobile services were suspended for several hours on Friday, hampering work across newsrooms.

Nationwide Impact

The disruption has extended beyond the twin cities. In Gujranwala, commuters reported being stranded as authorities closed entry points at Chanda Qila, Sadoki, and Kamoki. “Trenches were dug overnight — we haven’t seen such measures before,” said Ramna Saeed, a student who missed her final LLB exam due to the closures.

In Rawalpindi, key intersections such as Committee Chowk, Liaquat Bagh Turn, and Murree Chowk were sealed, while access routes to Kachehri Chowk remained blocked. Police confirmed that partial movement resumed at Sawan Bridge and New Gulzar-e-Quaid, but major interchanges including Chakri, Thalian, Brahma, and Mandara stayed closed.

The motorway authorities reported that M-1 was open only toward Peshawar, while M-2 remained closed in both Rawalpindi and Lahore directions.

Escalating Clashes and Political Response

A senior police official confirmed that 50 officers were injured in Friday’s clashes, though TLP’s casualty claims could not be verified.

TLP leaders insist that their march is peaceful and meant only to show solidarity with the people of Gaza. “We have no demands apart from showing solidarity with Palestinians,” senior TLP member Allama Muhammad Irfan told AFP. “The government is being brutal with us. We are not negotiating.”

Deputy Interior Minister Talal Chaudhry, however, vowed that authorities would not allow the protesters to enter Islamabad. “There is no room for any radical activity in Islamabad,” he said. “Why is an agreement acceptable to Hamas and Palestine not acceptable to you?”

Ceasefire and Regional Context

Israel declared a ceasefire on Friday afternoon, pulling back its troops as thousands of Palestinians returned to their devastated homes. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the development as a “historic opportunity to secure lasting peace” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause.

“We will continue to work with partners and brotherly nations to ensure peace, security, and dignity for the Palestinian people,” the premier said.

As the TLP march advances toward the capital, Islamabad remains under high alert, with law enforcement agencies bracing for possible clashes in the coming days.
Tagged:

Islamabad

TLP

PakistanProtests

GazaSolidarity
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