Intense Anti-Israel Protests Erupt in Pakistan: Police Clash with Gaza Supporters – Latest Updates on the Unrest
Increasing Tensions in Pakistan: Protests Over ‘Gaza March’ Turn Violent
Background on the ‘Gaza March’ and Key Groups Involved
A wave of protests organized by the hardline Islamist group Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) escalated into violent clashes across multiple Pakistani cities on Friday and Saturday. Sparked by what they called a “Gaza March,” these demonstrations aimed to express solidarity with Palestinians and planned to culminate in a protest outside the United States embassy in Islamabad. The unrest has resulted in at least 11 deaths and numerous injuries.
Clashes Erupt in Lahore During TLP March
The TLP protests began in Lahore on Thursday, focusing initially on opposing the US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas following prolonged conflict in Gaza. However, the group later claimed their core objective was to show solidarity with Palestinians. The march, led by TLP chief Saad Rizvi, set off from Multan Road in Lahore, attracting thousands of supporters who chanted religious slogans and carried sticks and rods.
Authorities responded by setting up barricades and resorting to tear gas at strategic junctions including Yateem Khana Chowk, Chauburji, Azadi Chowk, and Shahdara. Nevertheless, the protesters managed to breach these barriers, engaging in confrontations with security forces. Social media footage showed demonstrators seizing government vehicles and causing damage to public property.
Escalation in Islamabad and Rawalpindi
Violence quickly spread to Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where officials used shipping containers to block roads and deployed tear gas to disperse protesters. In retaliation, demonstrators threw stones at police. The unrest severely disrupted daily life in these twin cities, leading to school closures, suspension of the Metro bus service, and a continued shutdown of mobile internet services.
Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan claimed that since Thursday, 11 of its supporters had been killed and 50 injured, though authorities have not verified these figures. Lahore police confirmed officer injuries and the arrest of over 100 TLP activists for their actions against law enforcement and damage to property.
Government’s Response and TLP’s Historical Context
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi stated that no group would be allowed to march on Islamabad “under any circumstances.” In a similar vein, State Minister for Interior Talal Chaudhry accused the TLP of “political blackmail” and exploiting religious sentiments, emphasizing that while peaceful protest is a democratic right, violence and mob pressure are unacceptable.
Founded in 2015, TLP is known for its disruptive protests over religious and political matters. The group rose to prominence in 2017 and has frequently launched massive marches and sit-ins, bringing various parts of Pakistan to a standstill and paralyzing the capital and major highways for extended periods.
- Protests by TLP started in Lahore and spread to other cities.
- Authorities deployed measures such as barricades and tear gas to control the crowds.
- Violence has disrupted daily activities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi significantly.
- TLP’s history of protests against various government policies and decisions.
