Arrests Made at Pro-Palestinian Protest as Violence Escalates in Lahore Pakistan
### Tension Escalates in Lahore as Authorities Clash with Protesters
Over 100 individuals have been detained in Lahore following clashes between law enforcement and supporters of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) party. The unrest erupted as TLP members attempted to march from Lahore to Islamabad to express solidarity with Palestinians, despite lacking official permission for such a demonstration.
Intensity Rises in Lahore Protests
The situation intensified over the weekend, with Lahore’s police using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds attempting to breach barricades. In retaliation, protesters hurled stones, leading to a standoff in the city. The tension has significantly disrupted daily life in Lahore, a city of over 14 million residents.
Police Report Injuries and Arrests
Kamran Faisal, Deputy Inspector General for Operations in Lahore, reported during a press conference that the protesters had become violent, seizing official vehicles and damaging property. “One police vehicle was completely burnt, and 112 police personnel have been injured,” Faisal stated. Over 100 arrests have been made, though the TLP claims the number of detained supporters is 700.
Political Background of TLP
The Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan has been notable in Pakistani politics since its rise in the 2018 elections. The group is known for its staunch defense of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. Despite being banned in 2020 following violent protests, the prohibition was lifted a year later, allowing the group to continue its activities.
Disruptions Across Lahore and Islamabad
Authorities have implemented several measures to curb the unrest, including blocking major roads to Islamabad with shipping containers and suspending mobile internet services in both the capital and the nearby city of Rawalpindi. These preventive actions have severely affected public services, with schools, bus routes, and intercity transport being shut down.
Public Reaction and Impact
The protest, which attracted between 8,000 and 10,000 people, has led TLP to establish a temporary camp on Lahore’s outskirts. Residents describe a city under siege, with roadblocks and the persistent smell of tear gas in the air. “Even small streets are sealed, and the air burns your eyes,” reported Zeeshan Khalid, a local grocery store owner. Essential services, including ambulances, have reportedly been hindered, escalating concerns about the health and safety of Lahore’s residents.
