• Source:JND
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At least five people, including a police officer, were killed and dozens of other officers injured on Monday during violent clashes between Pakistani authorities and thousands of protesters marching in support of Palestinians, police and witnesses reported.

Punjab Police Chief Usman Anwar stated that demonstrators had opened fire on authorities, resulting in the officer’s death and injuries to others. Police confirmed that three protesters and one passerby were also killed before authorities managed to disperse the crowd. Authorities reclosed roads and motorways near Lahore and Islamabad, and some schools in Islamabad ended classes early amid safety concerns.

Massive Crackdown On TLP Protesters

The clashes occurred as Punjab Police launched a large-scale crackdown on Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) demonstrators in Muridke. The Islamist group, led by party chief Saad Hussain Rizvi, had organised a “long march” from Lahore toward the capital, Islamabad, as part of its anti-government, pro-Gaza, and anti-Israel campaign.  Rizvi was shot multiple times and is currently in critical condition, according to local media reports.

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Authorities used baton charges and tear gas to disperse the protesters, while Pakistan Rangers reportedly engaged with the activists, who accused the paramilitary of using sophisticated weapons against them. Protesters had set up multiple camps in Muridke despite heavy police barricades along their route.

Casualties And Injuries

TLP has claimed that more than 250 of its workers and leaders have been killed so far, with over 1,500 injured, including several in critical condition. Security forces have cordoned off the anti-TLP camp in Muridke, restricting access and banning media coverage in the area.

Videos released by TLP on Monday showed several vehicles ablaze, including a truck carrying party officials leading the march. The unrest began on Friday in eastern Pakistan and has intensified as demonstrators pressed toward Islamabad despite repeated police interventions. 

The protests are partially fueled by opposition to US President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza, which Pakistan has expressed support for. TLP’s campaign highlights its strong stance against Israel and the Pakistani government’s perceived alignment with the peace plan.

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During earlier protests on Saturday, police arrested more than 100 people, demonstrating the scale and intensity of the ongoing unrest. Authorities warn that the situation remains volatile in multiple parts of Punjab, with tensions between security forces and TLP supporters continuing to escalate. TLP has reiterated that it will not back down from its campaign, signalling the potential for further clashes.