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TLP Protest Turns Violent in Muridke; SHO Martyred, Several Killed and Injured
Violent clashes erupted in Muridke as TLP protesters faced police action en route to Islamabad. An SHO was martyred, three protesters killed, and dozens injured. Roads, motorways closed amid panic in Lahore & Islamabad.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-10-13
TLP Protest Turns Violent in Muridke; SHO Martyred, Several Killed and Injured

Violent clashes broke out between Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) protesters and law enforcement agencies in Muridke early Monday morning, leaving multiple people dead, including a police officer, and dozens injured.

According to police officials, the operation to disperse TLP workers—who had been camping in Muridke after authorities blocked their route to Islamabad—began around 3am and lasted nearly six hours. The protesters had set out from Lahore on Friday to stage a pro-Palestine demonstration outside the US Embassy in Islamabad.

Punjab Police spokesperson Mubashir Hussain confirmed that Station House Officer (SHO) Shehzad Nawaz was martyred during the confrontation, while three TLP members and a passerby were also killed. At least 48 law enforcement officials sustained injuries, including 17 with bullet wounds, along with eight civilians.

Authorities accused the protesters of attacking police with stones, batons embedded with nails, and petrol bombs, before opening fire. Police said they responded with limited defensive action. The Punjab Police also reported that 40 vehicles—both public and private—were set ablaze by the rioters.

Following the clashes, the government swiftly sealed roads and motorways leading to Islamabad and Lahore. The M-2, M-3, and M-11 motorways were closed once again after being reopened a day earlier. In Islamabad, the Faizabad Interchange was shut, and several schools dismissed students early amid panic and traffic congestion.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari condemned the violence, stating that “attacking the state and law enforcement agencies cannot be considered a protest but amounts to treason and terrorism.” The Punjab government also released a statement on X (formerly Twitter) declaring that “armed mobs of the TLP are not above the law.”

Meanwhile, lawyers’ associations expressed outrage over what they termed the “excessive use of force” by law enforcement. The Lahore Bar Association and the Lahore High Court Bar Association announced strikes and boycotts of court proceedings, demanding the release of detained protesters and accountability for those responsible for firing on demonstrators.

Despite ongoing negotiations between the TLP and the government reported on Sunday, tensions remain high. Authorities continue to arrest TLP activists across Punjab, as the group’s leadership accuses the state of suppressing their right to peaceful protest.

The situation remains tense, with road closures, suspended mobile internet services, and heavy police deployment reported across major cities.
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