- Group’s supporters push through Lahore’s Shahdara Bridge en route to Islamabad for anti-Israel protest
- Clashes erupt at different points in provincial metropolis; several policemen injured, one protester dead, 22 wounded
- Section 144 imposed across Punjab amid terror threat warnings from RAW, TTP, BLA and Daesh
- US embassy issues security alert, warns citizens of nationwide protests and traffic disruptions
- Over a dozen police, Rangers hurt as protesters use nail-studded balls, sticks and chemicals
LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: Supporters and workers of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) reached Shahdara Bridge late Friday night as the group pushed ahead with plans to march towards Islamabad to stage an anti-Israel demonstration outside the US Embassy, amid clashes with the personnel of the law enforcement agencies and extensive security measures, road blockades, and suspension of mobile services in the twin cities.
According to media footage, protesters attempted to remove barriers at Chauburji Chowk to move forward, while clashes in several areas left multiple policemen injured. According to Edhi Foundation spokesperson Younis Bhatti, injured law enforcement personnel were shifted to hospitals by rescue teams.
Meanwhile, TLP spokesperson Usman Naushahi claimed that one protester had died and 22 others were injured.
Ahead of the march, the US Embassy in Islamabad issued an advisory on social media platform X, warning American citizens about possible traffic disruptions and urging them to avoid large gatherings.
Clashes in Lahore and government response
State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry condemned the TLP for resorting to violence, asserting that “mob politics” had no place in Pakistan. Speaking at a press conference, he said the right to peaceful protest was guaranteed by the Constitution but had to be exercised “under specified terms and conditions.”
Chaudhry said the TLP’s past record included attacks on police and use of violence during protests. “Footage shows them using sticks, chemicals, glass balls, and tennis balls studded with nails as slingshots against police and Rangers, injuring over a dozen,” he said.
He noted that a peace pact between Hamas and Israel had already brought relief to Palestinians and questioned the purpose of the TLP’s continued agitation.
The minister added that the group’s rally—comprising fewer than 2,000 people—had moved from Samanabad to Ravi Road via Bund Road, where police exercised restraint and avoided using force. He said footage also showed TLP workers firing in the air and destroying Safe City cameras, contradicting their claims of a peaceful protest.
In the National Assembly, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and Parliamentary Secretary Asia Ishaq also questioned the motive behind the protest, asking why demonstrations were being held “when the people of Palestine themselves were satisfied with the truce.”
Internet suspension and road closures
In anticipation of the march, the Interior Ministry directed the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) to suspend 3G and 4G services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi from midnight on October 9 until further orders. Roads leading to the federal capital, including Faizabad Interchange, were blocked with shipping containers.
Islamabad’s traffic police issued diversion plans, barring heavy vehicles from entering the city and rerouting smaller ones around Faizabad. Reports suggested that around 500 containers were being used to seal the Red Zone, including key entry points such as Serena Chowk, Express Chowk, and Nadra Chowk.
Metro and electric bus services on 21 routes were suspended, and several educational institutions announced closures.
Security measures and arrests
Over 7,000 security personnel, including 5,500 policemen, 1,000 Frontier Constabulary, and 500 Rangers, were deployed across the capital. Authorities also detained around 280 local TLP activists and leaders on Thursday.
In Rawalpindi, Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code was imposed until October 11, banning public gatherings and sealing key entry points with more than 300 containers. Over 6,500 police personnel, including 1,150 traffic police and contingents of Punjab Constabulary and Riot Management Police, were deployed across the city.
Section 144 imposed across Punjab
Violence broke out in Lahore late Thursday when police launched a crackdown on the TLP headquarters to arrest its chief Saad Rizvi, injuring several people, including about a dozen policemen.
The Punjab Home Department, in an order dated October 8, imposed Section 144 for 10 days, citing “credible reports” of threats to public peace and potential terrorist attacks by groups including RAW, TTP, BLA, and Daesh. The order restricted gatherings of more than four people, display of weapons, and misuse of loudspeakers or sectarian material.
Following the restrictions, the University of Punjab announced a one-day closure, while the Punjab Public Service Commission postponed its Oct 11–12 exams for the Enforcement and Regulatory Authority Sub-Divisional Officer posts.
